Vietnam asks Malaysia to investigate death of Vietnamese fisherman
(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted the Malaysian Embassy in Hanoi to express deep concern over a report that Malaysian law enforcement forces chased a Vietnamese fishing boat on Sunday, which led to the death of a Vietnamese fisherman, according to Le Thi Thu Hang, a Ministry spokesperson, who told reporters on Monday that Vietnam has demanded an investigation.
 Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang. (Photo: VNA) |
Hang said that, according to initial reports from the Malaysian side, the Vietnamese fisherman died when Malaysian marine police clashed with two Vietnamese fishing boats in the waters off Malaysia’s Kelantan state. The two fishing boats and their crews are being detained by Malaysian authorities on charges of fishing illegally in Malaysian waters.
The Foreign Ministry has directed the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia to work with Malaysian authorities to obtain details of the incident, organize consular meetings with the detained fishermen, and handle the disposition of the deceased sailor. At the same time, Hang said, the Ministry is working to identify the victim, gathering more information about possible violations, and taking steps to protect the rights and interests of the detained fishermen.