KUCHING (Dec 18): Activists in Sarawak today protested against the intrusion of Chinese vessels into the state's territorial waters.

The protest, held by some 30 members of the Sarawak Association for People’s Aspiration in front of the Chinese Consulate-General in Kuching, was led by its president Lina Soo, who handed over a note addressed to the consul-general.

The letter, addressed to outgoing China Consulate General in Kuching Liu Quan, protested against China’s intrusion and demanded that the Chinese government discontinue their visits to Sarawak waters.

The letter was received by a consulate staff member at around 9.30am.

“This action by your Chinese navy is a violation of our sovereignty and our territorial dignity,” said the letter.

Sapa said that such intrusive action would destroy the relations between China and Malaysia.

Calling the protest a success, Soo said it was important to raise awareness of this issue, which was reported by international media, but no official protest has so far been lodged by the Malaysian authorities.

“We are talking about Sarawak's territory. The federation should keep Sarawak safe and secure, the federal government should take more affirmative actions,” said Soo.

Sapa, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on Sarawak's rights, was banned by the Home Ministry in November 2014.

Its leaders took the matter to court which overturned the Home Ministry’s decision in October this year.

The home minister is appealing against the decision in a higher court.

Last month, Sapa member Jack Voon attempted to hand over the same protest note to the China Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. But the letter was not accepted by anyone from the embassy.

“At least they (Chinese Consulate General in Kuching) received our letter in Kuching. We Sarawakians need to protect our rights. We need to voice out and let the people know, otherwise it will be too late, like Sabah,” Soo added.

It was been reported earlier this year that Chinese ships had entered the James Shoal, coming within 80km of Sarawak and anchored in Luconia Shoals, some 84 nautical miles from Sarawak.

In Sarawak, Luconia Shoals is known as Gugusan Beting Patinggi Ali. Luconia Breakers, known as Hempasan Bentin, is part of South Luconia Shoals.

Local fishermen have alleged that Chinese vessels have been darting in and out of the area, and anchoring at Luconia Shoals since 2013 for long periods of time.