Malaysians await repatriation

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Two Malaysian fishermen, stranded in Palu since November, are still waiting to be repatriated as the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta have yet to send their tickets and passports, an immigration official said yesterday.

Head of the provincial immigration office, Husin Alaydrus told Antara that the embassy had promised to send all necessary documents for its citizens.

"As soon as their documents arrive in Palu, we will deport them to their country," said Husin.

Local fishermen Ekong, 37, and Sadapal, 27, were found floating on the Donggala Sea on Nov. 8 after a strong storm capsized their boat.

The immigration office deported eight Filipino fishermen last month for the same reason. (prb)