Malaysian government has confirmed the news that more than 80 types of fish species getting disappear from local waters. The species include various varieties of yu, pari, gelama, pelata, bagok, semilang and kurau. Malaysian President Mohd. Idris describe the situation as alarming. He told it was high time the authorities implemented preventive measures to safeguard the fisheries sector.
At the National Fisheries Dialogue the President said that Malaysian fisheries sector is in crisis because of the lack of effective policies and laws on the conservation of marine resources, as well as a lack of enforcement of existing laws. He added that the dialogue was organised by Sahabat Alam Malaysia to identify weaknesses in policies and practices, and to suggest ideas for sustainable and effective management of fisheries resources.
Idris also underlined that the other objective is to advocate strong and sustainable fisheries policies that emphasise the interdependency of ecosystems and communities. The authorities must also take necessary steps to save marine life habitats. He appeals for a concerted effort to protect mangrove forests, sea grass and coral reefs. He also told that the impact of modern fishery practices must also be looked into, and added that there was no long-term policy to protect the coastal ecosystem.
