According to the information illegal fishing by foreign fishermen in Malaysian waters cost billions to the country’s fishery industry. Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharom said that although the exact loss could not be ascertained, the amount mentioned was based on records and observation by the Fishery Department, as well as reports from local fishermen.
Baharom further informed that the government has been intensifying sea and aerial surveillance to overcome the problem of encroachment by foreign fishermen. Enforcement agencies like the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, police and Fishery Department are seriously engaged in this effort, opines Baharom.
Besides these operations the ministry also seeking help from companies operating the oil production platforms as well as local fishermen to combat illegal fishing by foreign fishermen.
