Malaysia must work with fellow Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) member states and China to put a stop to the staggering losses the country is suffering from illegal fishing in its waters, according to an analyst.
Abdul Razak Ahmad said that recent revelations that Malaysia is losing billions a year due to illegal fishing must engage the countries where these illegal fishing vessels originate from and secure its exclusive economic zone, including in the South China Sea, not only to ensure food security but also to protect the livelihoods of its citizens .
“Malaysia loses up to RM4.25 billion in revenue every year in the wake of Chinese vessels illegally fishing in the South China Sea. Malaysia has also suffered losses due to the encroachment by illegal foreign vessels mainly from Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia,” founding director of Bait Al Amanah said.
“Overfishing has resulted in many Malaysian fishermen calling it quits, many based in hotspots such as Kemaman in Terengganu as well as Kuala Sedili and Mersing in Johor,” he explained.
Abdul Razak said overlapping territorial and maritime disputes prevent effective enforcement of domestic fishery laws as well as disrupt cooperation amongst regional states particularly at the southern tip of the heavily contested South China Sea.
“Crucial measures such as managing fisheries and conducting stock assessments are possible if Malaysia and other Asean countries take initiative by holding joint patrols and strengthening maritime security,” he said.
Abdul Razak said the biggest challenge to Malaysia by far is the presence of China’s maritime militia, a force that is used by that country to enforce its own claims in the area against rival claims by Asean states and that also conducts large scale fishing in the disputed waters.