Malaysia tracking fishing boats for rescue operations

The Malaysian Government allocated RM20 million (US$4.8 million) to install sensors in over 2,000 fishing boats.

Authorities will be able to locate local fishermen when they are out at sea, especially during search and rescue operations, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister.

"The data from the system can also be used as evidence in border disputes, encroachment and arrests involving the fishermen," he said.

The tender for the installation of the device will begin next week, and must be installed on the boats in a few months time, he added. Image by Udey Ismail, licensed under CC BY 2.0