Overlapping territorial and maritime disputes prevent effective enforcement of domestic fishery laws as well as disrupt cooperation amongst regional states particularly at the southern tip of the heavily contested South China Sea. - Photo from Reuters
SINGAPORE/KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29: Malaysia must work with fellow Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) member states and China to put a stop to the staggering losses the country is suffering from illegal fishing in its waters, according to an analyst.
Abdul Razak Ahmad said that recent revelations that Malaysia is losing billions a year due to illegal fishing must engage the countries where these illegal fishing vessels originate from and secure its exclusive economic zone, including in the South China Sea, not only to ensure food security but also to protect the livelihoods of its citizens .
“Malaysia loses up to RM4.25 billion in revenue every year in the wake of Chinese vessels illegally fishing in the South China Sea. Malaysia has also suffered losses due to the encroachment by illegal foreign vessels mainly from Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia,” founding director of Bait Al Amanah said.
“Overfishing has resulted in many Malaysian fishermen calling it quits, many based in hotspots such as Kemaman in Terengganu as well as Kuala Sedili and Mersing in Johor,” he explained.
Abdul Razak said overlapping territorial and maritime disputes prevent effective enforcement of domestic fishery laws as well as disrupt cooperation amongst regional states particularly at the southern tip of the heavily contested South China Sea.
“Crucial measures such as managing fisheries and conducting stock assessments are possible if Malaysia and other Asean countries take initiative by holding joint patrols and strengthening maritime security,” he said.
Abdul Razak said the biggest challenge to Malaysia by far is the presence of China’s maritime militia, a force that is used by that country to enforce its own claims in the area against rival claims by Asean states and that also conducts large scale fishing in the disputed waters.
This militia has been well-supported through the infrastructure, lighthouses, and deep-water ports in the South China Sea, which enables large numbers of these ships to operate in the area.
“According to data published by the Flanders Marine Institute, fishing activity by vessels between April and May 2020 that have activated their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) show that China is high up in the list scoring a reading of 3.93, followed by Taiwan (3.43) and Cambodia (3.23).
“However, satellites detecting ships’ lights show higher numbers of fleets fishing in the disputed areas than officially reported. China's illegal fishing activities in the region have caused fish stock to diminish quickly,” he said.
He stressed that tackling the issue would require a mature and pragmatic touch considering that China has been Malaysia's top trading partner for 13 consecutive years with bilateral trade increasing 34.5 per cent to US$176.8 billion.
“Malaysia is known to have strong economic and diplomatic-centric relations with China. Since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1974, they have carried out pragmatic cooperation in multiple fields which serves mutual benefit for advanced development to achieve a better-shared future,” he said
“The pressures of ensuring a real, live and substantive relationship with China are greater than ever.
"Although Malaysia remains committed to maintaining public displays of cordial ties with China, being inferior to one of the great maritime powers is incongruous with our principle to protect our territorial integrity.
"The encroachment of foreign vessels into Malaysian waters and illegal fishing activities must not be swept under the rug,” he added. - Agencies
