S’wak group calls for tighter curbs on encroachment by foreign fishing vessels

SIBU: The Sarawak Fishing Vessel Association (SFVA) claims that encroachment by foreign vessels in state waters is getting worse and affecting the income and safety of local fishermen.

It is also calling for a dialogue with the Fisheries Development Board of Malaysia (LKIM) to iron out shortcomings in fuel subsidy licensing and other maritime regulations it described as restrictive.

“Vietnamese vessels are dominating our waters. It is astonishing how they can enter, take our resources, and leave,” SFVA chairman Harry Tan told a press conference here on Friday (Nov 21).

Tan claimed enforcement efforts remain weak.

“When patrols are conducted, these vessels seem to disappear,” he said.

He added that shortcomings in maritime regulations and the process for renewing fuel subsidy licences place further strain on fishermen, who rely entirely on the sea for their livelihood.

Tan said SFVA was disappointed that a scheduled dialogue session with the Fisheries Department, LKIM and the Area Fishermen’s Association (PNK) failed to materialise fully on Thursday (Nov 20) due to LKIM’s absence.

“Many fishermen cannot comply with licensing deadlines as they spend several days at sea.

“Returning empty-handed means losing fuel, time and money,” he said, urging LKIM to be more flexible in setting licensing appointments.

He also claimed that the ship inspection process during licence renewal saw greater scrutiny on vessels that had been at sea over inactive ones.

Tan also highlighted delays in subsidy reactivation, citing a Sibu shipowner who has yet to receive his fuel subsidy more than a month after paying a fine, despite the suspension being lifted.

Additionally, he criticised a new rule requiring vessel owners to buy subsidised fuel in person, which he said disrupts operations if they are at sea.

Tan stressed that SFVA seeks dialogue, not confrontation.

“We want to help the government resolve these issues. But if discussion channels are closed, how can solutions be found?” he said.