TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency detained two traditional fishing boats from Natuna and Anambas, Riau Islands, on August 17, 2024.

The Head of the Natuna Fishermen Alliance, Hendri, said the captured boats consisted of 1 Anambas fishing boat and 1 from Kijang, captained by Natuna fishers.

Riau Islands Border Management Agency Head, Doli Boniara, confirmed that the Malaysian maritime forces detained eight fishermen in the Riau Islands. “Yes, 2 boats and 8 crew members were captured,” he said.

Malaysian forces captured the fishers at point 47 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Payung in Miri waters on Saturday morning. According to Doli, the government must establish cooperation with Malaysia to avoid further occurrence of such cases. “The solution (to this issue) is a fisheries cooperation between Sarawak and Natuna,” he said.

Malaysia had just repatriated eight Natuna fishermen at the beginning of August. They were caught on suspicion of catching fish in Malaysian waters but were acquitted in trials.

Quoted from the official page of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, the two Riau Islands boats were taken to Miri Vessel Detention Center.

YOGI EKA SAHPUTRA

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