Two Acehnese Fishermen Who Drifted To Malaysia Allegedly Violated Immigration

Two fishermen from North Aceh who were swept away in Malaysia while at the Malaysian Kedah immigration office, Monday (12/2/2024) (ANTARA/HO)

Two fishermen from North Aceh Regency who were swept away and rescued by Malaysian Marin Police personnel were charged with alleged violations of Malaysian immigration deeds or did not have documents.

"The two fishermen will be charged with violating the Malaysian immigration deed because they do not have documents," said Head of the Aceh Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service (DKP), Alimandi Banda Aceh, as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, February 13.

Previously, two fishermen from North Aceh Regency were rescued by Malaysian marine policy personnel when they were swept away and carried away by the current to the Kuala Kedah waters due to their damaged ship, last Sunday (4/2).

The two fishermen from North Aceh, each Asnawi from Ulee Rubek and Zuhdi from Krueng Geukuh.

Aliman explained, based on information received by the Indonesian Consulate General in Penang through the KKP that on February 12, 2024, the Indonesian Consul General Penang had met with Kuala Kedah police officials as well as made consular access to the two fishermen.

"The two fishermen are currently in good condition, and the two cases have not been submitted to the Kedah prosecutor's public prosecutor. But they have been transferred to the Kuala Kedah Immigration office," he said.

Today, he continued, the Indonesian Consul General Penang plans to meet with the Kuala Kedah Immigration Office to approach the two fishermen so that they can be released and not charged with violations of immigration documents.

Bearing in mind, based on the results of the inspection, it can be proven that their ship was properly damaged by the engine so that it was carried away to Kuala Kedah waters.

"Besides that, no arrests were found on the ship. So, we are still doing advocacy," said Aliman.