China Did Not Encroach On Bintulu Waters

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein today denied that China’s coastal guards encroached on the waters off Bintulu, Sarawak recently.

On December 13, a news blog, BujangSenang.my posted a photo shared on social media of a Chinese vessel near Jerlun, Bintulu.

Hishammuddin clarified during a press conference that the vessel was outside Malaysia’s territorial waters.

“I have said before that should they cross the ‘red line’ and enter our territorial waters, we will not keep quiet,” he said after launching the Ministry of Defence Innovation Day 2015.

Hishammuddin said in areas outside Malaysia’s waters, the ministry would work closely with the foreign ministry to avoid any unintended accidents that could spiral out of control.

“But we are fortunate that we have a good relationship with China and the United States so we have a channel to air our concerns and objections.”

On a separate issue, Hishammuddin said a retreat will be held early next year involving all stakeholders of national defence, including the ministry of defence, the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and industry players.

He explained that the retreat was being held to map out defence matters for 2016 more comprehensively.

He said five important matters that would be discussed were the roll out of the National Service Programme (PLKN), the welfare of military personnel and veterans as well as the readiness of ATM assets and plans approved under Budget 2016.

He also said security matters, especially in Sabah and Sarawak as well as policy matters pertaining to the South China Sea issue, Straits of Malacca and Asean would be tackled at the retreat.

“We must act and move as one and avoid staying in our own silos.”

On the issue of floods, Hishammuddin said the ATM was ready and that improvements had been made based on their experience of handling last year’s floods. - FMT