By Dayangku Hidayatul
SERIAN, March 6: Sarawak now has the power to issue C2 deep-sea fishing licences and is seeking a big player capable of operating at the deep-sea level to expand the State’s fisheries industry.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the State has already issued two C2 licences, but operations have yet to start due to vessel limitations.
“We have the authority to issue C2 licences, and so far, two have been issued. However, they have not started because they need proper vessels.
“They cannot simply buy vessels from Vietnam, Thailand, or China. They need to build them locally or source them elsewhere,” he said when speaking to the reporters during his visit to the Eco Farm Solutions Sdn Bhd at Kampung Panchor Cina in Serian here today.
Currently, SEDC Fisheries Sdn Bhd is among the few operators with the capacity to venture into deep-sea fishing.
Dr Rundi said Sarawak is preparing a new State fisheries department to strengthen regulation and support the industry.
“At the moment, many fishing communities are still using traditional methods. We are looking at ways to modernise the industry, including improving fishing vessels and operations,” he said.
He noted the amendments to the Sarawak Fisheries Ordinance 2003 are underway to strengthen regulatory powers under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
However, he acknowledged that Sarawak still lacks large-scale operators for deep-sea fishing.
“We currently hold a C2 licence but lack the necessary capacity. Most local fishermen prefer to operate under an A licence, maintaining business as usual. There is a need for a major player, ideally originating from Sarawak. It is imperative that we do not allow foreign operators to harvest our abundant fish resources,” he said.
He also said that fishing is not an easy job, as our people often quit at the first sign of hardship (sakit sikit, they pulang), spending months at sea with pay that may not match opportunities on land.
Dr Rundi said further updates on the State’s fisheries plans are expected by May.
“Once the new department and regulations are in place, we will move faster, and I can update you on the next steps,” he added. — DayakDaily
