Fisheries Sector and Road Infrastructure: Key Updates

Ministry Takes Action Against Foreign Fishermen Impersonating Locals

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is taking the issue of foreign fishermen impersonating locals, linked to the leasing of licences by local operators, very seriously, said Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. He emphasized that the Department of Fisheries (DOF) only issues licences to citizens or local companies, and if there is any misuse of these licences, strict action will be taken under Section 13 of the Fisheries Act 1985, including the suspension or cancellation of fishing vessel licences.

“To date, 772 licences for Zone C2 (deep-sea) vessels have been cancelled. Although this effort is challenging, the government remains committed to ensuring that licences are not misused and the integrity of the fisheries sector is upheld,” he said. Arthur added that several steps had been taken to prevent the misuse of licences, including installing mobile transceiver units on vessels in Zones C and C2, setting minimum fish landing requirements for licence renewals, and conducting vessel regularisation programmes involving special inspections to ensure licensed vessels comply with the law.

Conservation Efforts to Reduce Impact of Trawl Nets

To reduce the negative impact of trawl nets on marine ecosystems, Arthur said that the government has established conservation zones on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has acted to move trawl fishing areas further offshore. This move aims to mitigate the harm caused by trawl nets on marine habitats and protect the country’s marine biodiversity.

Flood Damage Repairs Estimated at RM204.1 Million

Meanwhile, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan reported that the estimated cost to repair road surfaces, bridges, slopes, and road facilities damaged by recent floods has reached RM204.1 million to date. The amount includes RM109.235 million for repairing 78 road surfaces; RM15.195 million for bridge maintenance; and RM79.706 million for repairing lights, drains, and slopes.

The floods, caused by the Northeast Monsoon transition, have affected several states, with Kelantan and Terengganu being the worst-hit. The government is working to repair the damage and restore normalcy to affected areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is taking a proactive approach to address the issue of foreign fishermen impersonating locals and ensuring the integrity of the fisheries sector. Meanwhile, the government is also working to repair flood damage and restore affected areas. These efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s marine ecosystems and infrastructure.

FAQs

Q: How many licences for Zone C2 (deep-sea) vessels have been cancelled?
A: 772 licences have been cancelled to date.

Q: What steps have been taken to prevent the misuse of licences?
A: The government has installed mobile transceiver units on vessels in Zones C and C2, set minimum fish landing requirements for licence renewals, and conducted vessel regularisation programmes involving special inspections.

Q: What is the estimated cost to repair flood damage?
A: The estimated cost is RM204.1 million to date.

Q: Which states were worst-hit by the floods?
A: Kelantan and Terengganu were the worst-hit states.