What percentage of fish caught in Malaysian waters reaches the local market?

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Fifty Per Cent of Fish Caught in Malaysian Waters Reaches the Local Market

Only half of the fish caught within Malaysia's national waters makes its way to the local market, with the remaining catch being untraceable. This situation arises amidst significant annual losses due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
Impact of IUU Fishing

Illegal fishing activities result in substantial financial losses for Malaysia, estimated to be between RM3 billion and RM6 billion annually. These losses are attributed to approximately 980,000 tonnes of seafood being taken. Globally, IUU fishing accounts for a significant portion of the total catch, conservatively estimated between 10 and 20 per cent of the global total, amounting to up to 26 million tonnes each year.
Enforcement and Regulatory Measures

To combat these issues, Malaysia has implemented various enforcement measures, including collaboration with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), marine police, and the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM). Furthermore, the Fisheries Act 1985 was amended in July of the current year to increase penalties for offences. For instance, the maximum penalty for the owner or captain of a foreign vessel caught trespassing in Malaysian waters has been raised from RM1 million to RM6 million, with penalties for crew members increasing from RM100,000 to RM600,000.
Regional Cooperation and Future Outlook

The challenge of IUU fishing is compounded by the vastness of fishing areas, making effective policing difficult without cooperation from Asean members. Researchers from the South-east Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC) have highlighted that fish supplies in the country are at a critical level, necessitating immediate action to prevent the smuggling of Malaysian fish products abroad. Discussions at meetings like the Terminal Meeting of The Japan Trust Fund 6 (JTF6) Project aim to address shortcomings and loopholes in existing guidelines against illegal fishing, with reviews typically conducted every five years.

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What percentage of fish caught in Malaysian waters reaches the local market?

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