KUCHING, Oct 26: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for two missing Sarawakian fishermen in Brunei waters has been halted due to jurisdiction.
According to a news report from TV Sarawak (TVS), Limbang district police chief Superintendent Parum Niot explained it is because the location is under Brunei’s jurisdiction.
He said the Brunei Consulate including police chiefs in Brunei Muara and Temburong have also been contacted to share information if there is any information regarding the missing fishermen.
“Until now, we are still waiting for confirmation from the Brunei authorities whether the missing persons has been arrested or otherwise. There has been no disclosure so far,” Parum was quoted by TVS as saying.
He added that authorities along the Limbang, Lawas, Sipitang, Beaufort and the Federal Territory of Labuan borders has also been informed about the matter.
Based on the case’s chronology, the two fishermen, Hamdanie Mustapa, 39, and his friend Mohd Asrol Karim, 37, from Kampung Limpaku Pinang reportedly did not return after both went out to catch fish at 3am last Sunday (Oct 22).
An initial search by villagers found the fishing boat used by the missing men in Kuala Limbang, sunk in a shallow area near Siarau Island (a Brunei island in Brunei waters) around 4pm on the same day. — DayakDaily
