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New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Amendment to Fisheries Bill tabled for second reading in Dewan Rakyat
KUALA LUMPUR: The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, which among other things, seeks to raise the general penalty for fisheries-related offences from RM20,000 to RM100,000, was tabled for the second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, today. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu when tabling the bill today said the amendments are aligned with current needs and the development of the fisheries industry both domestically and internationally. He said the amendment is deemed highly necessary to address the issue of declining fisheries stocks through a holistic management approach. He added that the government is facing various challenges in its efforts to ensure the sustainability of the national fisheries sector, including issues such as the leakage of fishery resources, declining fish stocks, the impact of climate change, and concerns over food security and the guarantee of fish supply for the people. "Among the key challenges are anthropogenic activities such as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfishing, and marine pollution that threaten marine habitats," he said. The proposed amendments cover six key areas, including efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities by tightening control over both local and foreign vessels. This includes monitoring loading and unloading operations, fish transfers, vessel maintenance, and supply activities. It also involves prohibiting fishing in polluted areas to safeguard the integrity of the national food supply chain. Other amendments focus on strengthening the legal framework for marine parks and reserves to fulfil Malaysia's obligations under international instruments, and increasing general penalties to enhance enforcement and ensure that appropriate measures are taken against violations of the Act and its related regulations. The bill also seeks to clarify the application of Act 317 across all Federal Territories, including Putrajaya, and to support more targeted interventions through the collection of accurate and reliable data. The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025 comprises a total of 47 clauses. Among the key changes are on Clause 17 which amends Section 16 to require the captain of a foreign fishing vessel to notify authorities via official electronic communication upon entering and exiting Malaysian fisheries waters. Meanwhile, Clause 19 amends paragraph 25(b) by increasing the general penalty in all matters other than those involving foreign fishing vessels or local fishing vessels operating on the high seas from RM20,000 to RM100,000. Clause 20 amends Section 26 to raise the maximum fine to RM250,000 for offences involving the use of explosives, poisons, pollutants, electric current equipment, or prohibited gear. Clause 21 amends Section 27 to prohibit any person from fishing, disturbing, harassing, capturing, killing, possessing, selling, buying, exporting, transporting, or storing any aquatic mammal or turtle or any part or derivative thereof found outside state jurisdiction. The fine for such offences will increase from RM5,000 to RM250,000. "These amendments are part of policy and legislative reforms aimed at strengthening regulation in the national fisheries sector. "The Bill provides for measures to address licensing issues and the use of unsustainable equipment. The Director-General's powers are strengthened to set technical requirements for vessels, monitor movement and enforce licence compliance with the support of data-driven monitoring systems. "Given the current status of national fish stocks, several zones have been identified as critically stressed. Therefore, the declaration of marine protected areas is essential to enable recovery actions to be effectively carried out based on scientific data. "The government is aware of the issues affecting the fisheries sector, and thus the need to enhance enforcement and build a strong legal foundation is of utmost importance," he said.
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Borneo floral fest in Labuan off to a vibrant start
LABUAN: The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 got off to a vibrant start on the first day, attracting a total of 37,130 visitors, says Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa ( pic ). The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) said the impressive figure was recorded through the artificial intelligence-based closed circuit television monitoring system operated by the Labuan Corporation that is used to manage crowd flow and ensure visitor safety throughout the five-day event. 'Crowd response is overwhelming and reflects the growing popularity of the BFF as a premier tourism and cultural attraction in Labuan,' she said after visiting the event yesterday. Dr Zaliha added that the festival not only brings colour and joy to the island but also serves as an economic catalyst, especially for local businesses. 'With more than 37,000 visitors in just one day, we are already seeing the economic spillover. Hoteliers, food stalls, local artisans and even home-based entrepreneurs are benefiting tremendously from this influx,' she said, Bernama reported. This year's BFF 2025 with the theme 'Borneo Tropical Flora' features, among others, floral parades, garden installations and dance and music performances.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
‘Respect Labuan sentiment on next top LC choice'
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Sohan Das Text Size: 'If this first choice is not available and if someone from outside is appointed he or she should be made to pledge full-time and take up residence on the island,' said activist George Elias. LABUAN: The Federal Territories Ministry should respect popular local sentiments and ensure that the vacant position of Chairman of Labuan Corporation is filled by a local as the past . 'Breaking this tradition will not go down well as a local will be more committed to serve the island and leave a legacy than an outsider who may hardly be around based on past experience. 'If this first choice is not available and if someone from outside is appointed he or she should be made to pledge full-time and take up residence on the island,' said activist George Elias. George was commenting on the response of FT Minister in the PM's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Zaliha Mustafa to Beaufort Member of Parliament Datuk Siti Aminah Aching. Siti Aminah had asked in the on-going session of parliament on the delay in the appointment of a Chairman and whether the residency status of a candidate was an issue. The post was last held by Tan Sri Anifah Aman from Sabah who was appointed to the office on a two-year term effective June 19 2023. In March he was also appointed Labuan Senator. His contributions to Labuan as chairman were questioned by some as more was expected of him as the post offered a good emolument and various perks. Anifah's appointment also sparked controversy with many quarters voicing concerns. Allegations emerged over his absence on the island, involvement in programmes and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce spoke of difficulty in meeting him. George hoped this would serve as a lesson and guidance in making a decision. Labuan folks do not want a let-down second time.' The Minister had said several candidates had been identified for the post and it was in the final phase of selection. She added that the post was important as the chairman played a key role in the strategic development developments (Hala Tuju) of the island and must have commitment to serve and address issues. She said as the person selected would be announced soon. Prior to Anifah all previous chairman of the post since 2001 had been local leaders and among them were Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (three terms) Datuk Rozman Isli, Datuk Bashir Alias and Datuk Amir Hussien. The minister said the residential qualification of the Chairman was not an issue as anyone from Sabah or else where could be selected based on merit. In the meantime the term of the seven-member Advisory Council has also expired. The councillors were Datuk Bashir Alias, Datuk Wong Kii Yii, Puan Noriha Yakup, Hajah Niswati Tarji, Seah Kiat Leong ,Tan So Kiat and Andy Herrdiwardy @ Harris. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Labuan boosts cashless society and internet safety at Borneo Flora Festival
LABUAN: The Borneo Flora Festival 2025 became a platform for digital empowerment as the government introduced two key initiatives—the Cashless Society Initiative and the Safe Internet Campaign—to accelerate digital adoption and improve online safety. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) spearheaded the launch, reinforcing efforts to build a digitally inclusive and secure society. Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), officiated the event. MCMC Federal Territory director Faisal Hamdi Mohammed Ghouth outlined the initiatives, which align with the Smart Labuan programme and the National Online Safety Framework (NOSF). 'The Cashless Society Initiative aims to increase public trust in digital payments, especially among businesses and retailers,' he said. Backed by financial institutions and digital service providers, the initiative supports the Financial Sector Blueprint 2022–2026, targeting 400 cashless transactions per capita by 2026. The Safe Internet Campaign (KIS) focuses on combating cyber threats, including scams, cyberbullying, and illegal content. 'This campaign strengthens Malaysia's cybersecurity framework by raising public awareness,' Faisal added. – Bernama
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar urges Malaysians to judge govt and its policies on facts, not ‘hatred or sentiment'
KULIM, July 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the public to assess the government's efforts and policies based on facts, rather than being swayed by political sentiment. Bernama reported him saying that although the government has implemented various initiatives, there are still parties spreading inaccurate information — such as claims that fuel and goods prices are rising — when, in fact, the opposite is true. 'This is a free, democratic country, but we must offer clarification. During an interview (at the gathering in Dataran Merdeka), for instance, there were questions about fuel prices going up, when in reality they have gone down. There are many such falsehoods. 'This shows that it's all just political sentiment and hatred, not based on facts. So, we suggest that the people evaluate based on facts. If there are shortcomings, we're open to improvement,' he told reporters after attending the Organisational Strengthening Seminar and PKR Federal Territories President's Tour here today. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, acknowledged that government initiatives may not be perfect, but said the administration is constantly looking for ways to address any issues that arise. 'I'm not claiming that everything we do is perfect, but we always listen and adjust where needed,' he said. Earlier, Anwar arrived at the closed-door event at around 12.30pm, where he delivered the President's address and met with PKR members in attendance. Meanwhile, Anwar said he is open to the opposition tabling a motion of no confidence against his leadership as Prime Minister in the Dewan Rakyat. The PKR president and Pakatan Harapan chairman also described the move as a legitimate part of the democratic process. 'We're open to it — this is the proper process. If they want to table it (the motion), go ahead. He (Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin) has been saying he wants to do it for three years now,' he said. He was responding to remarks made by Hamzah, who is also the Opposition Leader, during a rally at Dataran Merdeka yesterday. Hamzah had claimed that the opposition is currently considering submitting the motion to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul in the near future.
