Malaysia to Deport 11 Indonesian Fishermen

Kuala Lumpur (Antara) - The Malaysian Maritime Agency at the Pinang Island will deport 11 Indonesian fishermen who were caught entering Malaysian waters of the Pinang Island on April 27, 2014. According to the press release from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Penang received here on Tuesday, all these fishermen can be released due to lack of evidence to arrest them. "There was not enough evidence to arrest them, there was no catch, and two of their boats were sunk while being towed to shore," as stated in the release. All the 11 Indonesian fishermen were arrested on April 27 while they entered the Pinang Island waters, Malaysia, located 28 North-West nautical miles, when the Malaysian Maritime Agency was on a sea patrol. Therefore, the Indonesian Consulate General in Penang had approached the Maritime Agency to release the fishermen. The consulate general received the confirmation from the Malaysian Maritime Agency that the 11 fishermen can be released and will not be tried in the court of law. The fishermen who will be deported to Indonesia are Shahlan, Boediono, Andika Putra, Yudi, Ajuan, Zulkifli, Azwan, Uca, Ilam, Riduan, and Ibrahim. All the fishermen belong to Lalang Village, Madang Deras Sub-District, Batu Bara District, North Sumatra. (*)