PERAK has recorded the highest inland fisheries landings in Malaysia with a total of 2,987 tonnes in 2024.
State agriculture committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said this was 35% of the country’s total inland fisheries landings, making Perak the top contributor.
“The state government remains attentive to inland fishing activities and is committed to continuously supporting and developing the sector,” he said during the Perak State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan in Ipoh yesterday.
He was replying to Muhammad Zulfadli Zainal (PN-Slim), who asked about the total number of registered inland fishermen in Perak and the state’s measures to address river pollution, declining fish stocks and unstable income.
Muhammad Zulfadli also asked about the efficacy of enforcement actions against those polluting Sungai Perak.
Mohd Zolkafly said 1,893 licensed inland fishermen were registered with the Perak Fisheries Department last year.
The fishermen, he said, used drag, drift and gill nets as well as traps and longlines.
“Under the Perak Fisheries (River) Regulations, all inland fishermen have to be licensed according to the type of fishing gear they used.
“Recognised as an important asset to the subsector, inland fishermen also receive incentives and economic support.
“These include RM200 monthly allowance that benefits 645 fishermen, with a total allocation of RM1.548mil last year.
“The initiative will continue this year,” said Mohd Zolkafly.
He highlighted that the state government implemented several development projects to facilitate fishing activities and provide docking facilities for inland fishermen, including building 17 landing jetties since 2022 to reduce post-harvest losses of river catches, with a total allocation of RM3.83mil to date.
Through the Fisheries Department, he said the state was committed to addressing challenges faced by inland fishermen, including water pollution, declining fish stocks and unstable income sources.
“Last year, 23 restocking programmes were carried out, involving 2,414,130 fish fry of local species such as freshwater prawns, baung, kerai and temoleh.
“These were released into rivers, lakes and mining ponds across Perak.
“This effort supports conservation while ensuring the sustainability of the inland fisheries industry for future generations.”
Mohd Zolkafly also said the state was focusing on capacity-building among fishermen through technical training and encouraging value-added activities to help stabilise and increase their income.
“The holistic approach includes monitoring, restocking and controlling invasive species to ensure native fish stocks were sustainably maintained.”
He said the state Fisheries Department also carried out integrated enforcement in collaboration with the environment department, local authorities and other enforcement agencies.
“Enforcements are conducted continuously and systematically, including regular monitoring, thorough investigations and legal action against those found polluting water sources.
“This approach has proven effective in controlling pollution, preserving native fish habitats and ensuring the livelihoods of inland fishermen, particularly in key areas such as Sungai Perak.”
