By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 31: The draft for the new Fisheries Department Ordinance is nearly complete, and it aims to support local fishermen while enhancing Sarawak’s fisheries revenue, according to Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister of the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development (M-FICORD).
In a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Dr Rundi stated that the establishment of the Fisheries Department would enable better management of the State’s resources.
He highlighted the challenges local fishermen face, including competition from larger vessels encroaching on shallow waters, which impacts smaller fishing operations.
This ordinance will create a more regulated environment, with the new department set to be established within two years.
Dr Rundi noted that Sarawak currently relies on agencies such as the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) for support but emphasised the need for local regulations to secure the future of the state’s fisheries sector. — DayakDaily
