Unyielding Spirit: Journey as a Foreign Fisherman 'Seeking Identity and Survival’

JERAM - Nestled along the banks of the Selangor River (Sungai Selangor) in Kuala Selangor, the Bagan Sungai Buloh Fishing Village stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Uncle Ibrahim, fondly known as Pakcik 00. Originally from Riau, Indonesia, Pakcik Ibrahim migrated to Malaya in 1981 and has called Bagan Sungai Buloh his home for the past 42 years. As a fisherman, he braves the early morning hours, setting out at 6 a.m. to cast his 100-meter-long net, ensuring a bountiful catch to support his wife and nine children. However, recent challenges have emerged, as Pakcik Ibrahim yearns to obtain a Blue Identification Card to ease his fishing expeditions. With increased patrolling by the authorities, the possession of a red (foreign) identification card has made venturing out to sea more arduous for him. Despite his long years of residence in Malaysia, Pakcik Ibrahim's foreigner status is etched on his face, a constant reminder of his pursuit of sustenance in a foreign land. Each day, his devoted wife and children eagerly await his return, relying on the fruits of the sea to grace their dinner table. Yet, the path to the open waters remains elusive as the authorities have yet to confirm his identity card, causing uncertainty and hindrances in his fishing endeavors.