Malaysia’s Department of Fisheries made 670 arrests for Fisheries Act violations from January to October 2025, with Perak state recording the highest number of cases.
PUTRAJAYA: The Department of Fisheries (DOF) recorded 670 arrests for violations under the Fisheries Act 1985 from January to October 2025.
Director-General Datuk Adnan Hussain said Perak recorded the highest number of cases at 167, followed by Kedah and Perlis with 98 each.
Other states with significant figures included Pahang (73 cases), Terengganu (66 cases), and Johor (39 cases).
Adnan stated these numbers reflect the department’s effective field monitoring and strong commitment to combating zone encroachment and illegal fishing gear use.
By October 2025, authorities had conducted 3,004 vessel inspections at sea and 14,801 inspections on land at jetties and fish landing centres.
The director-general noted the DOF received 10 new enforcement boats last year and 12 more in 2025.
He said these additional assets improve sea patrol efficiency and strengthen monitoring activities.
Regarding the Northeast Monsoon, Adnan said the DOF has strengthened enforcement readiness in high-risk areas.
He advised fishing vessel operators to follow licence conditions and avoid operating in bad weather.
Operators should also ensure safety equipment like Personal Locator Beacons are in optimal condition.
On joint enforcement with police and maritime agencies, Adnan revealed RM6.04 million was collected through compounds and seized items from 2020 to October 2025.
Of this amount, RM4.88 million came from compounds while RM1.16 million came from auction proceeds.
The DOF recorded the highest compound value at RM2.02 million, followed by police (RM1.94 million) and the maritime agency (RM915,500).
Adnan said this reflects effective cross-agency cooperation in strengthening fisheries law compliance.
The department will continue enforcement measures firmly and consistently to protect national fisheries resources.
He emphasised safeguarding these resources is a shared responsibility for future generations’ sustainability.
