DOF: 670 ARRESTS FOR VIOLATING FISHERIES ACT RECORDED FROM JAN TO OCT 2025

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- A total of 670 cases involving arrests for Fisheries Act 1985 violations were recorded from January to October 2025.

Department of Fisheries (DOF) Director-General Datuk Adnan Hussain said Perak recorded the highest number of cases at 167, followed by Kedah and Perlis with 98 each.

"Other states that recorded significant figures include Pahang (73 cases), Terengganu (66 cases), and Johor (39 cases), reflecting the DOF's field monitoring effectiveness and its strong commitment to combating zone encroachment, the use of illegal fishing gear, and other fisheries-related offences.

"As of October 2025, a total of 3,004 vessel inspections had been conducted at sea, along with 14,801 inspections carried out on land at jetties and fish landing centres, to ensure all fish landing activities complied with the law," he said in a statement today.

Adnan added that last year, the DOF received 10 new enforcement boats, while 12 more were received in 2025 and that additional assets improves the efficiency of sea patrols, strengthens monitoring activities, and improves the overall enforcement of the Fisheries Act 1985.

On the Northeast Monsoon, Adnan said the DOF has strengthened enforcement readiness and monitoring in high-risk areas.

"The department advises fishing vessel operators to consistently follow licence conditions, avoid operating in bad weather, and ensure that safety equipment such as Personal Locator Beacons and Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons are in optimal condition," he said.

On joint enforcement actions with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), he said a total of RM6.04 million was collected through compounds and proceeds from seized items from 2020 to October 2025.

Of this amount, RM4.88 million was collected through compounds, while RM1.16 million came from auction proceeds.

"DOF recorded the highest compound value at RM2.02 million, followed by PDRM (RM1.94 million) and MMEA (RM915,500), reflecting the effectiveness of cross-agency cooperation in strengthening compliance with fisheries laws.

"DOF will continue to carry out enforcement measures firmly, holistically and consistently to ensure the nation's fisheries resources remain protected, and will not compromise with any party violating the law, as safeguarding these resources is a shared responsibility for the sustainability of future generations," he said.

-- BERNAMA