SEIZURE OF BOAT BY INDONESIAN POLICE

Mr Goh Tong Liang asked the Minister for Commerce and Industry whether he is aware that, after the seizure of the fishing boat Hock Huat on 30th July last, two Singapore fishermen in distress were arrested by an Indonesian police patrol boat last month and imprisoned for two weeks; whether he has inquired or will inquire into the incident; and whether he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, the hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. Careful enquiry has shown that the circumstances were in fact as follows. A pleasure boat with two Singapore passengers, one of whom is a fisherman, was detained by the Indonesian authorities when they were off Pulau Kusu on 25th July, 1957, that is five days before the Hock Huat incident. This pleasure craft developed engine trouble after a storm off Pulau Kusu and was taken to Pulau Samboe where the two passengers were detained in the police station for 15 days. They were subsequently released, the Chief Police Officer of Pulau Samboe confirming that they had not committed any offence. The persons concerned who were detained had no permit to enter Indonesian territorial waters.