KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian and Indonesian fishermen detained for encroaching on territorial waters of both countries are in the process of being released, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
He said an agreement had been reached between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Indonesia President Joko Widodo during the 12th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation meeting.
“The cooperation between both countries has given a positive impact. Last night, I met Indonesian Ambassador Rusdi Kirana. It was a positive meeting where both countries are in the final stage of releasing them.
“Today, I am chairing one of the meetings to coordinate and ensure the release of both Malaysian and Indonesian fishermen.
“Six Malaysian fishermen held for trespassing on Indonesian waters will be released soon. This is a positive development and good news for the families awaiting the return of their loved ones detained in Indonesia,” he said in a statement today.
Ahmad Shabery added that he would visit Jakarta next week to meet Indonesian Marine and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti and bring the Malaysian fishermen home.
Also present at the meeting were representatives from the Foreign Ministry, National Security Council, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Department of Fisheries Malaysia, Prisons Department of Malaysia, Royal Malaysian Police and other relevant agencies.
Currently, there are six Malaysian fishermen detained in Indonesia, while 70 Indonesian fishermen are held by Malaysian enforcement agencies.