COASTAL FISHING OPERATIONS (Interference by deep-sea trawlers and measures to safeguard)

Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Law and National Development the number of deep-sea trawlers arrested and prosecuted in court for operating in shallow waters and interfering with the operations of coastal fishermen between 1st January, 1971 and the latest convenient date, and if he will direct the Primary Production Department to step up raids in conjunction with the Marine Police against such trawlers in the Sungei Seletar area in order to safeguard the interests of coastal fishermen.

Mr Ho Cheng Choon (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, altogether eight trawlers were arrested for operating in shallow waters between 1st January, 1971 and 7th February, 1972. In two cases the offences were compounded. In another two cases the offenders were prosecuted and convicted in court and fined. The remaining four cases are pending a hearing in court. The Primary Production Department, together with the Marine Police, have already stepped up raids against illegal trawlers, and such raids also covered the Sungei Seletar area.