JOHOR BARU: The exchange of Malaysian fishermen who are now detained in Indonesia for encroaching the republic’s waters with Indonesian fishermen detained in local waters is expected to take place on Thursday.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director-general, Admiral (Maritime) Datuk Seri Zulkifili Abu Bakar said this when commenting on the status of Malaysian fishermen detained by the Indonesian authorities.
“(However), let the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister (Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek) make further announcements,” he said at the MMEA office when asked by reporters on how many Malaysian fishermen would be released on that day.
Earlier, Zulkifili witnessed the handing-over of duty by Southern Region Maritime director, First Admiral Datuk Adon Shalan to his successor, First Admiral Datuk Abu Bakar Idris, here, on Sunday.
Adon will go on compulsory retirement from this Jan 9, with Abu Bakar taking over the post effective the same day.
Six Malaysian fishermen were reportedly detained in Indonesia for encroaching and fishing in the republic’s waters, and 70 Indonesian fishermen detained in Malaysia for committing the same offence in the country’s waters.
Three days ago, Ahmad Shabery in a statement said six local fishermen were expected to be released soon after an agreement was reached by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Indonesian President Joko Widodo during the Malaysia-Indonesia 12th Annual Consultation last November. - Bernama