FISHERIES
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FISHERIES
@ AGROBiz | January-February. 2026
Safeguarding marine biodiversity
• Malaysia proposed to add nine marine mammal species for protection under its Fisheries Act 1985.
• Revision aims to strengthens enforcement against bycatch and habitat disturbances as well as to support trade.
• RM142,720 disbursed to 166 fishermen in Manjung Selatan.
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ALAYSIA i s amending its marine governance framework through proposed amendments to regulations under the Fisheries Act 1985 to extend statutory protection to nine additional marine mammal species listed for protection.
The Fisheries Malaysia Department Director-General, Datuk Adnan Hussain, has stated that the amendment is a preventive conservation measure that strengthens enforcement against threats such as bycatch and habitat disturbance.
“ The revision to the Fisheries( Control of Endangered Species of Fish) Regulations 1999 provides formal protection for Balaenoptera omurai, Peponocephala electra, Feresa attenuata, Tursiops aduncus, Stenella coeruleoalba, Stenella attenuata, Ziphius cavirostris, Steno bredanensis, and Kogia sima.”
He continued to emphasise that these whale and dolphin species have
TIDES OF PROTECTION: New regulations safeguard marine mammals and strengthen Malaysia’ s ocean conservation efforts.
“ Strengthening the protected list affirms marine biodiversity as a national priority.” been observed within Malaysian maritime zones and require closer monitoring and protection to prevent population decline.
Marine mammals play a key role in ocean ecosystems. Their survival often reflects the broader stability of marine food webs. Accidental entanglement in fishing gear, loss of feeding grounds, and increased maritime traffic collectively heighten risks to an already vulnerable species. Legal recognition under subsidiary regulations enables early state intervention.
The amendment also highlights a policy shift from reactive conservation to structured monitoring. Strengthening the protected list affirms marine biodiversity as a national priority.
The announcement coincides with International Marine Mammal Protection Day, and Adnan emphasised that the Department of Fisheries will continue its work on the National Plan of Action for Dugong.
The dugong( Dugong dugon) remains central to coastal marine conservation strategy due to its important role. The species is closely tied to the sustainability of seagrass beds, and its wellbeing reflects the condition of habitats that underpin fisheries productivity, coastal protection, and blue carbon storage.
International market demands further influence the regulatory update. Fisheries exporters must demonstrate management practices and bycatch rules comparable to those enforced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration( NOAA) in the United States.
Although Malaysia is not directly bound by foreign marine mammal legislation, compliance with global benchmarks remains essential for maintaining trade access.
Malaysia is adopting a more proactive approach to ocean governance by broadening regulatory measures and integrating conservation goals with commercial considerations.
The regulatory amendment underscores the critical importance of marine mammal conservation for fisheries sustainability, economic credibility, and long-term environmental management.
LKIM boosts livelihoods
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TARGETTED assistance of RM142,720 has been disbursed to 166 fishermen in Manjung Selatan through initiatives led by the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia( LKIM). These initiatives aimed to improve income and welfare within the local fishing community.
LKIM Chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said RM65,500 was allocated under the Touch Point Income Enhancement Programme, benefiting 52 fishermen through measures to improve efficiency, skills, and catch yields. Another RM77,220 was channelled under the Natural Disaster and Fishermen Welfare Assistance Scheme to 114 recipients.
The distribution of welfare funds was coordinated by local area fishermen’ s associations. The Matang Area Fishermen’ s Association( PNK) received RM24,950, the PNK Sungai Tinggi
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RM30,900, and the PNK Manjung Utara RM21,370.
Other than that, assistance in the form of equipment was also offered specifically to those in the B40 group. The equipment supplied included two 15-horsepower outboard engines, 34 insulation boxes, 43 shrimp nets, 27 senangin nets, 26 pomfret nets, 20 drift nets, 117 assorted nets, and 65 crab traps.
Muhammad Faiz added that he hopes fishermen will take a more proactive approach to modernising fishing techniques by utilising the latest fisheries technology to increase catch yields and strengthen the national fisheries sector.
He also attended the Rahmah Mesra MADANI Programme with fishermen from PNK Manjung Selatan. At the same event, thirteen students from the Professional and Continuing
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Muhammad Faiz Fadzil
Education Centre( PACE) at Universiti Utara Malaysia ' s( UUM) Kuala Lumpur Centre donated school supplies to ten high-achieving children from underprivileged fishing families.
The recipients comprised five secondary and five primary pupils, each receiving essential school supplies and RM50 in cash. Educational encouragement in fishing communities reflects a longer-term strategy to broaden socioeconomic mobility beyond immediate
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HARBORING NEW FUTURES: Fishermen in Manjung Selatan receive aid and tools to improve livelihoods.
livelihood assistance.
An additional RM50,000 allocation was announced by Muhammad Faiz to upgrade the LKIM jetty at Pasir Pandak, Batu 8 Lekir.
Integrated support, including financial aid, equipment distribution, educational outreach, and infrastructure upgrades, represents a comprehensive approach to preserving and supporting Malaysia’ s local fishing communities.- @ AGROBiz
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