I have recently met with several fishermen’s associations across Perak to listen to their concerns and better understand the challenges they are facing, particularly regarding the prolonged issue involving the renewal of Zone B fishing boat licences. This matter has remained unresolved since July 2024.

Based on feedback received, one of the key reasons preventing the renewal of these licences is that many boats operating within Zone B have installed engines exceeding the permitted limit of 200 horsepower (HP).

Since July 2024, owners of these Zone B boats have reportedly been unable to renew their licences. As a result, a large number of vessels have been left idle and unable to go out to sea until today. The number of affected boats continues to grow, with current estimates exceeding 1,000 vessels.

According to the relevant circulars and policies governing fishing vessel licensing, affected fishermen are required to replace their engines to comply with the maximum 200 HP limit. However, this would require each boat owner to bear costs of around RM100,000 or more. For many fishermen, this is an extremely heavy financial burden, particularly as most of them would need to pay these costs upfront, given the difficulties they face in securing loans from financial institutions.

If this issue is not addressed urgently, several serious ripple effects could emerge in the near future:

1. Severe financial losses for fishermen and boat operators
Fishermen risk losing their primary source of livelihood. On average, each boat is capable of catching around 10 tonnes of fish per month, generating an estimated RM30,000 in monthly income.

If licences for over 1,000 boats remain unrenewed, the industry could face potential losses of up to RM30 million per month, involving approximately 10,000 tonnes of fish catch.

2. Prohibitive costs of engine replacement
The requirement to replace engines with units not exceeding 200 HP, at an estimated cost of RM100,000 to RM200,000, is extremely burdensome under the current economic climate.

In addition, global geopolitical uncertainties, including ongoing conflicts in West Asia, could further drive up the cost of engines, spare parts and diesel, adding further pressure to fishermen who are already struggling.

3. Risk of fish supply shortages and rising food prices
This issue does not only affect fishermen’s livelihoods, but could also disrupt the supply of marine fish in the market. A prolonged shortage may lead to significant increases in fish and seafood prices, ultimately burdening consumers, especially ahead of festive seasons such as Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

4. Implications for national food security
If left unresolved, this issue could undermine confidence in the government’s ability to safeguard national food security, and may even affect Malaysia’s standing in global indicators such as the Global Food Security Index (GFSI).

Conclusion:

Perak is among the states with the highest marine fish landings in Malaysia. In light of this, I urge the relevant ministry, particularly through the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, to engage more proactively with fishermen’s associations and conduct field visits to better understand the challenges faced by those on the ground.

In the current climate of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the government should adopt a more pragmatic and flexible approach in facilitating the renewal of these licences, so that fishermen can return to sea and resume their livelihoods.

Government policies must remain people-centric and should not place additional burdens on fishermen, who are already grappling with rising living costs.

Neow Choo Seong
MCA Youth Information Chief

14 March 2026

-MCA Comm-