By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Fisheries Department will strengthen manpower, technology and cooperation to ensure effective enforcement of the amended fisheries law in state waters.
Its director Datin Dr Shuhadah Mustapha said enforcement capacity would be improved through training, monitoring systems such as the Integrated Vessel Monitoring System, and cooperation with national security agencies.
She said enforcement would involve joint operations between the Fisheries Department, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, police and navy, with emphasis on monitoring the Exclusive Economic Zone and protecting sensitive marine areas.
Shuhadah was commenting on the Fisheries Act 1985 (Amendment) 2025, which came into force on June 15.
She said the amendments expanded enforcement powers, allowing inspections, detentions and seizures to be carried out more effectively.
The amendments aim to conserve fish stocks and marine biodiversity, curb illegal fishing, increase penalties and strengthen deterrence through improved monitoring technology.
She said penalties for offences involving foreign vessel encroachment and licence breaches had been increased.
"The enforcement of Act A1780 reflects the government's commitment to safeguarding fisheries resources and ensuring a continuous food supply," she said.
She added that new provisions include a ban on fishing in areas affected by Harmful Algal Bloom incidents or chemical pollution to ensure seafood safety.
She said successful implementation required cooperation from fishing communities, operators and enforcement agencies.
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