Pirates scare Sebatik fishermen

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)