MIRI: China has been detected encroaching on Malaysian waters at the Luconia Shoals, which are known as Gugusan Beting Patinggi Ali, located just 84 nautical miles from the coast here.

It is understood that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel has been anchored in the area for about two years.

“I had a meeting with the TLDM, MMEA, Wisma Putra and MKN (National Security Council) today (yesterday) with regards to the security of the South China Sea and the movement of illegal foreign fishermen there,” Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim told a press conference at Miri Airport yesterday.

“With regards to the Gugusan Beting Patinggi Ali issue, we know that there is intrusion in the area, which is why we sent the TLDM (navy) and MMEA (Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency) to monitor the area 24/7 to ensure the sovereignty of the country.”

He pointed out that all foreign vessels would normally just pass through the area as they cannot anchor or stay in the area without permission.