SOGT TO COMPENSATE 1,300 FISHERMEN

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government will initiate negotiations between the Sabah Fisheries Department and Petronas to resolve the plight of 1,300 fishermen in Teluk Kimanis affected by the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) construction project in Kimanis.

Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, who is also the Kimanis Member of Parliament, said the negotiations would dwell on assistance and compensation to be given to the fishermen including scholarship for their children.

"Hopefully, it would ease their burden after being prevented from fishing in the SOGT project area," he told reporters after launching a freshwater fish campaign organised by the Fisheries Department in Bongawan, here, Saturday.

Anifah further hoped that the fishermen would not set or expect an unreasonable compensation in the interest of all quarters.

"The negotiations would be based on a win-win situation, as the project is being implemented for long-term advantage and would benefit the local folk in the long run," he said.

Meanwhile, Anifah said he was confident that the Indonesian government would take appropriate measures and action against a group of protestors who caused damage to Malaysia Hall in Jakarta on June 22.

He said he had sought further clarification from Indonesian Foreign Minister, Dr Marty Natalegawa, about the incident, although a diplomatic note was sent earlier.

"The situation has eased and we were informed that two protesters of the group are being investigated by the Indonesian police for their involvement in the incident.

"The Indonesian government has also guaranteed security and safety of our interests in the country (Indonesia), including our embassy and officials.

"We adhere to the 1961 Vienna Convention that it is the responsibility of a host country to make sure property and citizens' safety of another country at the embassy are protected and reserved," he said.

He said this after launching the official opening of a Persatuan Anak Membakut di Ranauan (Pamer) at a dinner gathering here.

On June 22, it was reported that a group of 50 protestors who called themselves Pancasila Youth staged demonstrations before rioting in front of the Malaysia Hall in Jakarta, causing severe damage to the premises and caused two security guards who were Indonesian nationals to sustain injuries.

The incident arose from a misunderstanding on the issue of a cultural dance, Tor Tor, and Gordang Sambilan (Nine Drums).