Malaysia aims to boost coastal incomes through sport fishing
KUALA LUMPUR: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) is strengthening sport fishing as a high-impact economic segment.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said this initiative aims to increase the income of coastal communities and boost the country’s tourism sector.
He said the Department of Fisheries (DOF) is implementing several integrated initiatives in partnership with various ministries and agencies.
One key initiative is the digitalisation of management through the DOF e-Rekreasi System.
This national platform registers recreational anglers, collects participation data and monitors fish landings at major fishing spots.
“The system helps enhance governance and facilitates the development of fishing-related tourism products,” he said in the Dewan Negara.
Resource conservation activities are also being carried out at key recreational sites to maintain sustainable fish stocks.
This includes the release of fish and prawn fry in selected rivers, lakes and marine waters.
A programme to deploy recreational artificial reefs is also being implemented to create new habitats.
“This year, 4.7 million fish fry and 13.4 million giant freshwater prawn fry have been released, while 185 recreational artificial reefs have been installed,” he said.
Cross-ministry training and certification programmes are being introduced to raise industry professionalism.
These programmes cover safety, resource conservation and compliance with recreational fishing regulations.
“These programmes involve several ministries and agencies such as the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the Youth and Sports Ministry, local authorities, boat operators, tour guides and local communities,” he added.
Mohamad said this integrated approach can generate new employment opportunities and stimulate downstream services.
These services include boat rentals, accommodation, seafood offerings, fishing equipment supply and tour guiding.
“The government is confident that these measures will not only attract more tourists but also strengthen local economies through job creation, rising demand for fishery products and the growth of downstream activities,” he said.
