Sunday January 30, 2005

Malaysian fishing vessel allegedly shot at by Indon navy

MUAR: A Malaysian fishing vessel with four fishermen on board was shot at allegedly by an Indonesian naval vessel while fishing in the Malacca Straits yesterday.

Muar marine base commander Asst Supt Ghasali Haron said the Parit Jawa fishing vessel was believed to have strayed into Indonesian waters.

He said the vessel was allegedly fired upon at about 10am as the four fishermen did not stop when an Indonesian naval vessel approached it. No one was hurt.

ASP Ghasali said the vessel had five bullet holes believed to be from an M16 rifle.

“We will investigate and also contact our counterparts in Indonesia to find out what had happened,” he said.

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin urged fishermen to observe the marine border when in the Malacca Straits.