TOUGHER LAW TO CURB ILLEGAL FISHING SET TO PROTECT MALAYSIAN WATERS

 LABUAN, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- The recent passage of the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Dewan Rakyat in July marks a major step forward in Malaysia’s efforts to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, particularly the intrusion of foreign vessels into national waters.

Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the bill is designed to strengthen enforcement and serve as a deterrent to foreign fishermen (from Vietnam) who continue to encroach into Malaysia’s maritime territory.

He said the deterrent measures under the bill also include the power to seize fishing vessels involved in illegal fishing activities by foreign operators, as part of stricter enforcement to safeguard the country’s marine resources.

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Arthur said resolving the issue of illegal fishing would also involve continued regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement, particularly through ASEAN platforms. 

“We are actively addressing this matter at regional diplomatic engagement sessions, including at the ASEAN Conference, and we expect the issue to be highlighted again at the ASEAN Summit at the end of this month,” he said to Bernama after officiating the inaugural Labuan Tuna Conference last night.

Arthur was earlier reported to have said illegal fishing caused an estimated loss of RM823 million to the country between 2020 and 2024, losses stemming from depleted commercial fish stocks, destruction of marine habitats, and strain on local fisheries resources.

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He said this bill is not merely a legislative amendment but a reform initiative aimed at strengthening the governance of our national fisheries sector, ensuring the sustainability of marine resources, and safeguarding the rights of local fishermen, including small-scale coastal and island communities. 

Arthur said the new law aligns Malaysia with international best practices and the recommendations of the European Commission, reaffirming the country’s firm stance against IUU fishing.

“The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025 ensures that Malaysia is recognised as a nation committed to sustainable fishing and strict regulation of its waters,” he also said.

He added that with these amendments, Malaysia aims to strengthen its maritime security, protect its fishing communities, and reinforce its commitment to sustainable ocean governance.

--BERNAMA