KUALA LUMPUR: Major amendments in the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317) will set higher penalties on those who go against the Act and stricter checks on sea hauls, including turtles, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said that the amendments will go through its First Reading in Parliament in the coming session next week.

He said this on Thutrsday (June 17) after officiating at the National Fishermen’s Association (Nekmat) annual general meeting.

Representatives from fishermen associations nationwide attended the event.

Mohamad said that the amendments for the Fisheries Act have all been discussed with stakeholders and as currently the Act is mainly policies, much more teeth is needed to be given to the Act to enable it to be effective in protecting the fisheries industry in the country.

“As we move forward towards progress, we must also not overlook the major challenges currently faced by our fishermen. Among them are land reclamation projects that disrupt traditional fishing grounds. In addition, ongoing sea and river pollution continues to threaten marine habitats.

“Even more concerning is the persistence of unlicensed fishing activities and ongoing reports of subsidised diesel misappropriation. These challenges require firmer and more decisive action from the Government.

“The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will table amendments to the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317). These amendments are crucial to ensure our legal framework remains relevant in addressing current challenges. They will also serve to strengthen the conservation of fishery resources and improve the effectiveness of management and enforcement at sea.

“The Act is currently mainly only policies and the amendments are to also include requests from international authorities on fisheries.

“There will be an increase in penalties for those who go against the Fisheries Act 1985, although the increased penalties will still be lower than our neighbouring countries Indonesia and Thailand.

“There will be the setting up of marine parks which will protect the basil sea and ensure the types of equipment used to catch the sea hauls.

“Certain types of nets and equipment used will destroy the sea-life and these amendments will ensure that there is more control on the types of equipment used.

“As for pollution of the sea, the newly amended Act 317 will enable the authorities to bar fishermen from fishing there and also ensure that the sea catch there is safe to eat before allowing fishermen into those areas again.

“The amended Act will also protect turtles from being sold live and ensure that these animals do not go extinct due to those who prey on them.

“The encroachments into local and international waters – either by foreign or local fishermen – will also be further detailed in the Act – as in terms of penalties and such,” said Mohamad.

Earlier in his speech, he said that the subsidised diesel will continue for fishermen registered under Nekmat and that there is much to be done to encourage fishermen to think “out of the box” to enable them to have better lives.

He also lauded Nekmat for venturing into logistics, housing for fishermen and sponsorship of fishermen’s children who have excelled in their studies.

“In 2024, I was informed that Nekmat’s recorded profits exceeded RM11mil. This is a truly commendable achievement. More importantly, these profits have been consistently channelled into welfare and educational funds for fishermen’s families, thereby strengthening support for a community that greatly needs it,” said Mohamad.