Fisherman returns in time for CNY
SUBANG: The Chinese New Year celebration this year means a lot to fisherman Low Siang Hua.
After being detained by Indonesian authorities for the past year, he was released in time for the auspicious day.
Low, 59, said he was happy and grateful to be back in his homeland and reunited with his family.
The fisherman from Pulau Ketam, Selangor, was detained on Feb 16 last year after he allegedly encroached on Indonesian territorial waters.
“I wish to thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the government for their concern and in negotiating with the Indonesian government to secure my release,” Low said on Friday.
He arrived at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport here from Hang Nadim Airport in Batam, Indonesia, at 2.20pm.
He was welcomed by his family, Selangor Fishermen Association members and Selangor Fisheries Development Authority representatives.
His son-in-law, Teng Poon Loy, 37, said for the past year, his family had waited anxiously for his return following his detention at Tanjung Pinang Prison, Indonesia.
Teng said he visited the prison seven times, the last being in September.
“To have him reunited with us on Chinese New Year makes it a meaningful gift... We plan to hold a big dinner this evening to celebrate his return.”
Other than Low, five other fishermen still being detained are Chia Kee Chan, 52 (Labuhan Deli Prison, Medan); Kamaruzaman Awi, 47, and Abdul Rashid Nik, 53 (Lanal Terempe, Riau), Mahabob Hasimat, 55 (Tanjung Pinang Prison); and Leong Biang Seng, 61 (Batam Prison).
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar said Low was freed following an agreement between Najib and Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the 12th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Leaders’ Consultation in Kuching, Sarawak, in November.
“There are still five more fishermen being detained.
“A meeting to negotiate their release was held between Agriculture and Agrobased Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Indonesia’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti on Jan 11.
“The Indonesian authorities have given an assurance that the Malaysian fishermen will be released in stages beginning this month.”