In the period from 2020 to 2023, there were a total of 428 cases of foreign fishing vessels encroaching into Malaysian waters, resulting in an estimated loss of RM823.88 million, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. The breakdown of losses by year is as follows: RM225.22 million in 2020, RM238.69 million in 2021, RM200.19 million in 2022, and RM159.77 million in 2023.
Providing a response to a query by Wan Razali Wan Nor (PN-Kuantan), Mohamad highlighted that there were 117 cases in 2020, 124 cases in 2021, 104 cases in 2022, and 83 cases in 2023. Wan Razali had specifically asked for the total value of losses due to foreign fishing boats encroaching on Malaysian waters during this period.
Mohamad emphasized the seriousness of encroachment by foreign vessels, noting that it poses a threat to Malaysia’s resources from the sea and impacts the livelihood of local fishermen. He also mentioned that there were arrests made in seven cases in 2020, eight cases in 2021, and four cases in 2022, but no arrests in 2023.
Leading the list of arrests were Vietnamese fishing boats, with a total of 18 cases, while one boat was found to be unregistered under any flag. Mohamad underscored the ministry’s commitment to addressing the issue of illegal fishing activities by foreign vessels in Malaysian waters, stating that they work closely with enforcement agencies such as the Marine Police Force and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
Through the Malaysian Fisheries Department, efforts are continuously being made to combat this issue and protect Malaysia’s marine resources. The Minister’s response to Wan Razali’s query sheds light on the significant challenges posed by foreign fishing vessels encroaching into Malaysian waters and the corresponding impact on the local fishing industry.
It is evident from the data provided that these encroachments have resulted in substantial financial losses over the past few years, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance and enforcement measures. The minister’s acknowledgment of the severity of this issue and the proactive steps being taken to address it demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting Malaysia’s marine environment and supporting the local fishing community.
The increasing trend of encroachment by foreign fishing vessels highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and enforcement efforts to safeguard Malaysia’s waters and ensure the sustainability of its marine resources. By collaborating with various enforcement agencies, the Ministry aims to effectively deter illegal fishing activities and address the challenges posed by foreign vessels operating in Malaysian waters.
As the government continues to address this issue, it is crucial to implement comprehensive strategies that prioritize the protection of Malaysia’s maritime borders and the preservation of its marine ecosystem. By strengthening enforcement mechanisms and enhancing collaboration with relevant stakeholders, Malaysia can mitigate the negative impact of foreign fishing vessels on its coastal waters and uphold the integrity of its marine resources.
Overall, the response provided by Minister Mohamad Sabu underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of foreign fishing vessel encroachment in Malaysian waters and highlights the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the nation’s marine environment and support the livelihoods of local fishermen.
