‘Accidentally’: Johor fishermen say engine failure, strong currents among reasons why they end up in Singapore’s waters

ROOM FOR NEGOTIATION OVER MARITIME BORDER?

One Johor politician suggests that a possible solution to save the livelihoods of these fishermen is to negotiate for the maritime border between Malaysia and Singapore in the Johor Strait to be redrawn to allow for more space for the fishermen.

Kota Iskandar state assemblyman Pandak Ahmad told media that he would be tabling a motion in the state assembly sitting next Monday (Sep 11) to remap the maritime border between Malaysia and Singapore in the Johor Strait.

However, RSIS’ Dr Koh told CNA that he is “somewhat sceptical” of the proposal, noting that maritime disputes in Johor such as the Pedra Branca issue has been a “thorn in the relations” between the Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and the Malaysia federal government. 

“The issue of maritime boundary raised by the Johor politician would have to be addressed by the federal government. Thus the onus will rest on Putrajaya to initiate the discussion with Singapore,” said Dr Koh. 

He said that while it is unlikely that Singapore would contemplate moving its maritime border since it involves territorial sovereignty, there may be room for negotiation after meetings were held in 2019 to discuss maritime boundaries delimitation following an earlier spat.

Singapore had protested against Malaysia’s unilateral extension of the Johor Bahru Port Limits off Tanjung Piai, which overlapped with Singapore’s port limits off Tuas in October 2018.

It said the move led to Malaysia government vessels making repeated incursions into Singapore’s waters, with the Republic later extending its own port limits in response, which were still in its territorial waters.

Both later agreed to suspend their overlapping port claims and revert to their former limits, as well as not to authorise and to suspend all commercial activities in the area, and not to anchor any government vessels there.

A committee was also set up to study the legal and operational issues relating to the maritime dispute to provide a basis for negotiations.

Given the ongoing meetings, Dr Koh said: “At first glance this (change in maritime border) doesn’t appear to be a plausible option; it, after all, concerns sovereignty and of course, a matter of principle.

“But I would argue that this prospect isn’t entirely impossible – especially given that the Anwar government is likely regarded as more pragmatic to deal with.”

Meanwhile, Dr Serina noted that the reality is that fishing in the area along the Straits of Johor is increasingly becoming inevitable with the needs for economic redevelopment likely to take precedence over the livelihoods of the local villagers. 

She acknowledged that the silver lining is that these developments will also provide job opportunities to the youths in the area. 

“Fishermen are getting endangered,” she said. “Sadly we cannot keep our waters like they were in the 1980s. The whole place is slated for industry and development. It’s beyond us.” 

As Kampung Pendas fisherman Mr Nasir returned from the sea, and tied his boat to the dock, he carried his box of six prawns and sighed. 

“It was a disappointing day out today but perhaps tomorrow will be better,” said Mr Nasir as he looked to the horizon and said a prayer for next day’s catch. 

“Changing jobs is not an option, I want to be a fisherman forever so I hope things will improve,” he added.