MSIAN FM MINISTER RELIEVED MALAYSIAN FISHERMEN RELEASED

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Foreign Minister Anifah Aman
Monday expressed relief over the release of Malaysian boat owners and their crew
members who were detained by Philippines authorities for trespassing into the
country's territorial waters.

"I am glad that negotiations with the relevant authorities there went well
and led to the release of the detainees. The fishermen are now on the way back
home and are scheduled to reach Sabah, an East Malaysia state, either Tuesday or
Wednesday.

"In conjunction with their safe return, we will hold a special reception to
welcome them home," he said in a statement.

Fourteen Malaysian-owned trawlers together with their 50 crew were
held in the Philippines' southern island of Taganak after allegedly straying
into Phillipine waters on Feb 14 and 15.

However, due to technical issues, only 12 of the trawlers had been released
while the remaining two boats and their crew were still in the custody of
the Filipinos.


Meanwhile, as quoted by Sabahkini.net, a spokesperson named Chai expressed
his gratitute to Anifah for faciliting the negotiations that helped secure their
release.

"Our fate will be uncertain if not because of Anifah's help. We are
proud to be Malaysians, as our government cares for its people and is always
there when we are in need of help," he said over a phone interview, after
refuelling in Bungao earlier.

--BERNAMA