Malaysia, Indonesia determined to create friendly fishing waters

JAKARTA: Malaysia and Indonesia are committed to creating ideal and friendly waters for fishermen and communities on the coasts of both countries.

The decision was reached in a virtual meeting between the Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) and Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA) recently.

BAKAMLA Deputy for Information, Legislation and Cooperation, Dr. Samuel H. Kowaas said the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 'Common Guidelines' and 'Common Best Practice' can bring prosperity to the fishermen of both countries.

In addition to improving good bilateral cooperation, the meeting also increased the conduciveness of activities related to the handling of 'Unresolved Maritime Boundaries' incidents in their respective waters.

"Bakamla is aware of the importance of improving communication and coordination of law enforcement officials in both countries," he said in a statement.

Malaysia and Indonesia signed a 'MoU In Respect of the Common Guidelines Concerning the Treatment of Fishermen by Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies of Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia' on Jan 27, 2012.

The two countries agreed to only deport and not arrest fishermen found fishing in the Malaysia-Indonesia maritime border.

-- BERNAMA