Kuala lumpur: 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 stated that Perak recorded the highest number of cases at 167, followed by Kedah and Perlis with 98 each.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, other states that recorded significant figures include Pahang with 73 cases, Terengganu with 66 cases, and Johor with 39 cases. These numbers reflect the DOF’s field monitoring effectiveness and its 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 compliance with the law.
Adnan added that the DOF received 10 new enforcement boats last year and 12 more in 2025. These additional assets improve the efficiency of sea patrols, strengthen monitoring activities, and enhance the overall enforcement of the Fisheries Act 1985. Regarding the Northeast Monsoon, Adnan noted that the DOF has strengthened enforcement readiness and monitoring in high-risk areas. He advised 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.
On joint enforcement actions with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), 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 with RM1.94 million and MMEA with 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. The department will not compromise with any party violating the law, as safeguarding these resources is a shared responsibility for the sustainability of future generations.