KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia is enhancing its oversight of foreign fishing vessels entering national waters through the launch of the Electronic Port State Measures (e-PSM) system.
This initiative, aligned with international standards and under Section 15(2) of the Fisheries Act 1985, aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Fisheries Malaysia director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain stated that the e-PSM system streamlines the application process for foreign vessels entering Malaysian ports, boosts enforcement efficiency, and solidifies Malaysia's commitment to addressing IUU fishing.
"Foreign vessels must secure prior approval from the Department of Fisheries before docking at any Malaysian port. Through e-PSM, vessel owners must submit an application with details of their proposed entry date, destination port, and intended catch for landing. This information is thoroughly evaluated for authorisation," he explained.
Adnan emphasised that failing to enforce such measures could be seen as tacit support for IUU fishing.
Although Malaysia has not ratified the Port State Measures Agreement, the country remains dedicated to its principles.
During the launch ceremony of the e-PSM system, held as a sidebar event to the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day 2025 on Saturday (Aug 2), Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu officially launched the system.
He also highlighted that a key objective of e-PSM is to ensure only vessels free from IUU fishing records are granted access and that any landed catch adheres to international conservation regulations, including CITES-listed species.
"Foreign vessels must declare their catch. If the species involved are restricted or banned under international law, landing will not be permitted.
"Applications are assessed in collaboration with international agencies, including those from Australia, the European Union, and regional bodies like the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and the Western Pacific Tuna Commission, to verify the registration and status of vessels applying for entry," he said.
Between 2024 and 2025, 20 foreign vessels have been approved for entry into Malaysian ports, resulting in the landing of 550 metric tonnes of tuna and related species at the Port of Penang, he noted.
The Department of Fisheries actively promotes the e-PSM system through its official website and local authorised agents, who are required to submit applications on behalf of vessel owners for approval and monitoring purposes.
