Fisheries Act 1985 (Amendment) Crucial to Restore Sabah’s Authority : Bobby Suan

10 September 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Fisheries Act 1985 (Amendment) Bill 2025 must serve as a turning point in restoring Sabah’s autonomy to plan the development of its fisheries industry, in line with the state’s role as a major contributor to the nation’s seafood supply, Senator Datuk Bobby Suan stressed.

According to him, although Sabah contributes nearly 25 per cent of the country’s fish production, the state still operates with its hands tied as fisheries legislation and policy remain under Federal jurisdiction.

“Since the Sabah Fisheries Ordinance 1963 was repealed in 1972 and replaced with the Fisheries Act 1985, Sabah has no longer had the power to formulate its own policies. More ironically, the Department of Fisheries Malaysia does not operate in Sabah, leaving the state as if it were a ‘major producer without control’ over its strategic sector,” he said when debating the Bill in the Dewan Negara on Tuesday.

Bobby said that this lack of authority has had a major impact on the development of fisheries infrastructure in Sabah. At present, the state has only one official fish landing complex in Kota Kinabalu, while other key areas such as Kudat, Sandakan, Semporna, Papar and Sipitang remain inadequately equipped.

“In comparison, Peninsular Malaysia has 48 fish landing complexes and Sarawak has five. This disparity has contributed to revenue leakages, with reports showing losses amounting to hundreds of millions of ringgit each year due to unauthorised landings and smuggling,” he explained.

He stressed that this situation contradicts Sabah’s position as the nation’s ‘seafood protein basket’, especially as the state has already achieved a seafood self-sufficiency level (SSL) of more than 100 per cent.

Commenting on the amendments in the Bill, Bobby welcomed the move to broaden the prohibition of using bombs, poisons and electric currents, which often damage Sabah’s marine ecosystems, particularly along its east coast.

“Subsection 13(3A), which bars licence applications for five years following a cancellation, is a bold measure. It sends a clear message that marine offenders can no longer be taken lightly,” he said.

He also welcomed the new clause strengthening the powers of the Director-General of Fisheries in addressing issues of transhipment and high-seas monitoring through digital technology.

At the same time, Bobby stressed that the amendments must be followed by recognition of Sabah’s administrative structure, including the devolution of full powers to the Sabah Fisheries Department to draft subsidiary legislation.

He said the proposed establishment of a National Fisheries Council, chaired by the Second Deputy Prime Minister and comprising the Sabah Chief Minister, Sarawak Premier and relevant ministries, could serve as a strategic platform to coordinate policies and allocations fairly.

“With a coastline stretching 1,743 kilometres and a resource-rich Exclusive Economic Zone, Sabah has the potential to become a regional hub for high-value seafood exports. However, it is estimated that 70 per cent of Sabah’s seafood is exported in unprocessed form, resulting in lost job opportunities and added value,” he said.

Bobby emphasised that the fisheries sector is not only an economic contributor but also closely tied to the nation’s food security.

“Although Sabah is the largest producer, local fish prices continue to soar because outdated policies deny the state the right to plan its own fisheries management. If these amendments are accompanied by decentralisation of powers and investment in strategic infrastructure, they could transform the landscape of the national fisheries economy,” he said.

Concluding his debate, Bobby expressed full support for the Fisheries Act 1985 (Amendment) Bill 2025 and hoped it would serve as a stepping stone to restoring Sabah’s rights in shaping its future.