Pirates scare Sebatik fishermen

SEBATIK, E. Kalimantan: At least 400 fishery families on the Sebatik island bordering Malaysia live in fear with pirates waging a terror campaign in the area bordering Malaysia.

The residents have brought the matter to the attention of the regent, asking the local government to take prompt action.

In one of a series of incidents, Nafiati, a 30-year-old fisherman, was killed by pirates after being robbed of his fishing boat engine.

Nafiati died on the way to the hospital from a gun shot wound.

Antara, quoting residents, said that fishermen are so afraid of the pirates that some have taken to other jobs.

Witnesses said the pirates used long-barreled guns and powerful speedboats.

"We ask the sea security authorities to pay serious attention to this problem, because there have been four similar cases in the last month," Bardun said. (anr)