This Act expands the scope of Malaysia’s fisheries legislation to include aquaculture, riverine fishing, and the protection of turtles and their derivatives. It seeks to strengthen conservation measures, improve licensing and enforcement mechanisms, and regulate activities within Malaysian fisheries waters, the territorial sea, and the high seas. The amendments also extend application to the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya.
The text introduces new and revised definitions, including aquaculture, beneficial ownership, and transhipment, and requires the keeping of records, data, and information related to fisheries activities. It grants broader powers to the Director General of Fisheries in licensing, enforcement, and conservation. Licensing provisions are updated to cover issuance, renewal, cancellation, and conditions for local and foreign fishing vessels, including maintenance and operation requirements.
Conservation provisions are reinforced through measures for marine parks and marine reserves, and by prohibiting destructive fishing practices such as the use of explosives, poisons, and prohibited gear. Specific protection is provided for turtles and their derivatives. Transhipment activities are regulated in line with customs requirements and licensing conditions. Enforcement powers are expanded to allow inspection, seizure, and prosecution, while penalties are increased with higher fines and imprisonment terms. The Act also provides for compounding of offences.