KUALA BALINGIAN: The fishing community has been urged to alert the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) of the presence of foreign fishermen or even pirates in the country’s waters.
Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi said, apart from the presence of foreign fishermen or pirates, there is a need to monitor illegal activities to prevent maritime crime.
“The fishing community also needs to be careful not to become a victim of kidnapping at sea like what happened in Sabah waters.
“Rules and instructions given by APMM must be followed to ensure everyone’s personal safety is guaranteed,” he said at the Maritime Friends Programme: ‘Juh Ngopi Bersama’ Layyan between Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd- Sarawak Asset and APMM, at here, today.
Commenting on this programme, he said, it was implemented to introduce Maritime Malaysia to the local people here.
He said such an approach can have a positive impact on fishermen who lack a clear understanding of the duties and roles of Maritime Malaysia.
“In addition, this kind of programme also creates a good cooperative relationship between APMM and fishermen.
“Should an unwanted case occur, the fishing community can help in rescue operations and provide information about the location of the incident,” he added.
In this regard, Yakub also expressed his appreciation to Petronas for donating life jackets to the fishing community in Kampung Kuala Balingian.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Asset), Shamsawi Ahmad said the programme sought to increase awareness on the danger of intrusion within a 500 meter safety radius around offshore operations.
“In addition, Petronas is also actively implementing community programmes through three main pillars, namely education, well-being and community development as well as the environment,” he said.
Shamsawi hoped that such efforts would continue to contribute to and improve the economic status of coastal communities in Sarawak.
Earlier, Yakub also inaugurated the Kampung Kuala Balingian Jetty which has been renovated by APMM and Petronas.
Also present was Bintulu APMM Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah.
