Kuala lumpur: The Dewan Rakyat today passed the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, among others, to strengthen action against illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing (IUU). Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup highlighted the country’s significant losses due to foreign fishermen’s encroachment from 2020 to 2024. These losses, estimated at around RM823 million, include the loss of commercial catches, destruction of marine habitat, and pressure on local fisheries resources.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the bill represents not just a legislative amendment but a reform aimed at enhancing the governance of the national fisheries sector. It seeks to ensure the sustainability of resources and protect the rights of fishermen, including those in small communities in rural areas and islands. Arthur emphasized that the bill aligns with international practices and European Commission recommendations, positioning Malaysia as firm in tackling IUU.

Arthur detailed that the bill amends provisions related to regulation, transhipment, landing, and maintenance of vessels. It also expands the definition of offences involving fishing methods that damage habitats. An example is the amendment to Section 26 of the Fisheries Act 1985, which covers offences involving the use of explosives, poisons, pollutants, devices using electric current, and prohibited tools to curtail IUU activities.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new subsection 13(3A), which imposes a prohibition period of up to five years on re-applying for a licence after it has been revoked. Arthur stated that this measure serves as a preventive step to protect the country’s fishery resources and is deemed a severe punishment to deter offenders.

The sitting continues tomorrow.