KUCHING, Sept 13: The Sarawak for Sarawakians (S4S) team claim to have reason to believe that China is increasing its presence in Malaysian waters since the cancellation of the High Speed Rail (HSR) project between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, the East Coast Railways (ECRL) and the Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project by the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led Federal government.
S4S team representative Chan Chee Hiong said his team had received photo evidence from some individuals taken on Sept 13 at 10am offshore of Miri.
Chan said the individuals who sent his team the photos were surprised to see what appeared to be a Chinese marine police boat in Miri waters.
“Why is China marine police entering Malaysian sea territory? And he quickly sent the photos to S4S team,” said Chan in a statement today.
He opined the cancellation of the earlier mentioned projects worth billions of ringgit to China investors had undermined China’s relationship with Malaysia and this meant it was uncertain whether Sarawak was being protected or threatened by the China marine police.
He said this might certainly be a good thing for Miri fishermen, because the presence of the China marine police will mean no foreign fishing boats from Vietnam, Indonesia and other countries will dare come near.
“However, what kind of prospects can China bring to Sarawak? It is believed that ships outside the Sarawak area will no longer be seen in the sea areas where China marine police enter and exit.
“Is there any threat to the Royal Malaysian Navy or Marine Operations Force?” Chan questioned.
He said the influx of foreign marine police to Malaysian sea territory would definitely be a threat to Malaysia as well as Sarawak.
“Is China challenging Malaysia? Is Sarawak’s security threatened or protected? China does not care about Malaysia? Or Malaysia is too weak?” said Chan. — DayakDaily
