KUCHING: The Sarawak Fisheries Department is expected to be established within the next one to two years, enabling the state government to regulate and accelerate industry development.
According to Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD), Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, the framework for amending the Sarawak Fisheries Ordinance 2003 is now in its final stages to allow for the department’s formation.
“We are currently in the final drafting phase to create a state fisheries department ordinance. This is crucial because we need to self-regulate resources in the fisheries sector, which have previously been underutilised.
“I hope that within the next one to two years, we will be able to establish the department, as this move will generate revenue for Sarawak,” he said.
He made these remarks when speaking to reporters after officiating the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) Integrity Day 2024 celebration here on Thursday (Oct 31).
He added that the new department would enable the Sarawak government to streamline governance and strengthen the fisheries sector, thus increasing the income of local fishermen.
“Our coastline is estimated to be over 1,000km long, offering abundant resources that can contribute to income growth for the people.
“It is time we take action to empower local fishermen. We will also be able to regulate the sector more systematically, having the authority to issue permits and deep-sea fishing licences,” he explained.
He warned that if this approach is not adopted, Sarawak’s fisheries sector would continue relying on the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM), with deep-sea fishing managed by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
“The future of our deep-sea fishermen will not be secure if it is not properly regulated, as there are various levels of fishing licenses. We plan to adopt a new approach to transform the industry,” he said.
Earlier, in May, Dr Rundi mentioned that the state government planned to establish the Sarawak Fisheries Department to advance and control the fisheries industry in the state.
Currently, inland fisheries development falls under the Sarawak Department of Agriculture, while marine fisheries are managed by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
Dr Rundi explained that the state-level fisheries department is proposed to address overlapping roles and functions between agencies with jurisdictional and resource authority.
