Wan Hasnul (left) with (from right) Low and Rosman showing the net collection initiative involving Sepang and Kuala Langat fishermen in Bagan Lalang.
Fishermen from Sepang and Kuala Langat in Selangor have turned in used fishing nets in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme aimed at promoting ocean safety and supporting sustainable food resources while creating income opportunities.
“Recycling Discarded Fishing Nets” held at Jeti Sepang Besar in Bagan Lalang was organised by Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation, in collaboration with Nuplas Solutions Sdn Bhd and Selangor Fisheries Department.
The programme saw members of Sepang and Kuala Langat fishermen’s associations discarding nets and gear into specially designated “NuNet” bins, and receiving up to RM1.50 per kg of used nets collected.
They were also briefed on cleaning and sorting processes before deposit, Bioeconomy Corporation said in its press release.
In his address, chief executive officer Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak said the nets would be processed by Nuplas using bio-based technology into high-quality raw materials for products such as footwear, sports jerseys, vehicle interiors, and electrical tools.
The initiative helped address the issue of ghost nets and marine debris which threatened marine ecosystems and could compromise national food security, he said in his speech read out by corporate services senior vice-president Wan Hasnul Nadzrin Wan Sulong.
“The recycling programme is important as it enables fishermen to help address the issue of discarded fishing equipment in Malaysian waters.
“According to WWF, more than one million tonnes of fishing gear, including nets, enter the ocean each year.
“This not only poses risks to human health but also causes the death of fish and other marine life, potentially contributing to food supply shortages.”
The initiative also gave fishermen an alternative income stream while encouraging responsible disposal of fishing nets, Mohd Khairul said.
“At the same time, the fishermen’s participation contributes to the creation of new products from recycled materials and supports the implementation of a circular economy and sustainable lifestyle promoted by the government.”
Many of the 60 fishermen taking part expressed strong interest in continuing the programme in the future.
Several also suggested placing additional bins in Kuala Langat to make participation easier.
The initiative, introduced for the first time in Sepang by Bioeconomy Corporation, is expected to benefit at least 385 fishermen across Sepang and Kuala Langat.
Nuplas has implemented similar collection programmes with 10 fishing communities in Kedah, Penang and Pahang.
Bioeconomy Corporation said the programme aligned with the government’s focus on encouraging adoption of a circular economy and strengthening Malaysia’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
Also present at the event were Nuplas Solutions chief executive officer Low Gin Yap and Kuala Langat and Sepang District Fisheries officer Rosman Wahab.
