Despite a fishing licence freeze since 1983, new fishermen can still obtain permits through licence redistribution from inactive holders.
KUALA LUMPUR: Opportunities remain open for new fishermen despite a fishing licence freeze that has been in effect since 1983.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the Zone A Licence Regularisation Programme will revoke inactive licences unused for over three years.
These quotas will then be redistributed to eligible new fishermen, allowing them to operate legally without increasing pressure on limited fish resources.
Mohamad was responding to Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s query about small-scale fishermen’s licence processes during the Dewan Rakyat’s Special Chambers session.
The minister also highlighted the introduction of the e-Licence system to streamline fishermen’s dealings through special service counters at fisheries offices nationwide.
“Through this system, fishermen can apply for and renew their licences more quickly, ensuring they do not miss out on government assistance such as diesel subsidies, monsoon season aid and fisheries community development programmes,” he said in a Facebook post.
Additionally, the government has reduced compound rates for minor offences from RM500 to RM100 as a gesture of concern for financially struggling small-scale fishermen.
“All these measures are not meant to burden fishermen but to ensure the sustainability of the sea and the continuity of their livelihood,” Mohamad added. – Bernama
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