75 SUNKEN VESSELS RECORDED IN MALAYSIAN WATERS

Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said 75 sunken vessels have been recorded in Malaysian waters.

"This is not the actual number as many sunken vessels were not recorded. Location of most of the vessels are difficult to determine except using equipments with sophisticated technology," he said in a written reply to Sim Tong Him here Thursday.

Sim wanted to know the number of sunken vessels identified and whether the government intends to salvage them and their estimated value.

Rais said the ministry through the National Heritage Department always update the inventory data of sunken vessels because they are priceless.

"The National Heritage Act 2005 states that those who illegally salvage sunken vessels are committing offences."

He told the Lower House of Parliament it is difficult to assess the value of such heritage as the artifacts found are priceless and of historical value.

"Records of vessels that sunk in Malaysian waters show that they carried merchandise and loot."

Rais said information and records on the discovery of artifacts and sunken vessels is confidential to put off treasure hunters.