Just another example of nationalism/cronyism/corruption.
I.E. I think even the Malaysian nationals would get a different pay rate depending on Malay, Chinese or Indian ethnicity.
If it’s their waters it’s their rights, or way of life and you should accept that as taken. They are not the only ones, think Australia, Canada and the USA for example.
I think you may have read into it too much… medical and safety requirements are much the same everywhere these days (and how many grossly obese good old boys do you see offshore).
Cheers