Foreign ministry spokeswoman Lê Thị Thu Hằng. Photo baochinhphu,vn

HÀ NỘI — The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over Malaysian law enforcement forces’ chasing of Vietnamese fishing vessels that led to the death of a Vietnamese fisherman.

Answering reporters’ questions on Monday regarding the case, ministry spokeswoman Lê Thị Thu Hằng demanded Malaysia investigate the serious case, which saw a number of fishermen detained and accused of illegally fishing in Malaysia’s sea.

The Vietnamese Consular Department has contacted the Malaysian Embassy in Hà Nội and demanded they deal with the guilty and offer humane treatment to the Vietnamese fishing boats and fishermen.

Hằng said according to initial information, a clash happened on August 16 between Malaysian marine law enforcement and two Vietnamese ships in the waters off Malaysia’s Kelantan state, killing a Vietnamese fisherman.

The foreign ministry has directed the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia to continue working with Malaysian authorities and ask them for more details.

The ministry also co-ordinated with relevant agencies at home to identify the victim, gather more information to deal with violations, implement citizen protection measures and ensure the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese fishermen, Hằng said. — VNS