Tiong warns Sarawak fishing industry’s strike could impact fish supply

Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing BINTULU (Jan 6): Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has cautioned that the Sarawak fishing industry’s strike against the government’s move to enforce installation of Mobile Tracking Unit (MTU) on Class C vessels will affect the fish supply in the market. He pointed out that a single decision can significantly impact the entire system, especially with the Chinese New Year fast approaching. “If the authorities fail to promptly implement a better solution, there will likely be a shortage of supply, forcing the public to pay higher prices for fish,” said the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

This statement came after more than 200 Class C trawlers across Sarawak halted operations for a week to express their dissatisfaction with the compulsory installation of MTU. “I urge the relevant authorities to engage in effective dialogue with fishermen as soon as possible and seek appropriate solutions to prevent this issue from escalating further, potentially affecting Sarawak’s food supply chain and security,” said the Bintulu MP. He noted that the policy has sparked strong backlash and dissatisfaction among fishing industry workers.



“It is utterly ‘insensitive’ for the Fisheries Department to insist on implementing this policy without first holding a dialogue and reaching a consensus with the fishermen,” said Tiong. He added that such a blanket approach undoubtedly puts more financial burden on fishermen, making their lives even harder. Tiong said the mandatory MTU installation clearly does not align with practical realities, questioning whether the department has thoroughly studied the operating patterns of Sarawak’s fishing vessels and how frequent incidents of unintentionally entering foreign waters are.

“Instead of directing enforcement measures at our own citizens, shouldn’t the focus be on addressing the pressing issue of foreign fishing vessels deliberately encroaching on our waters.” While acknowledging the Fisheries Department’s aim to strictly enforce maritime regulations, Tiong said the department must not neglect its responsibility to safeguard the rights of local fishermen. He added the policies devised in air-conditioned offices, disconnected from ground realities and lacking comprehensive planning, are bound to fail in execution, leaving the people to bear the consequences.

He referenced a similar mandate in 2017 for the installation of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), where the agents responsible for the mandate disappeared without a trace, leaving fishermen helpless—an incident that remains fresh in memory. “I sincerely hope that the director-general of the Fisheries Department and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, will address this issue and resolve it appropriately to ensure fishermen can continue to make a living,” Tiong said. He added that the fishermen in his constituency have repeatedly raised their concerns about the financial burden caused by this measure.

He said the installation cost of the MTU alone exceeds RM6,000 with an additional RM2,000 annually for rental and maintenance. “Given their modest incomes, does the government have any plans to alleviate the growing financial pressures on fishermen? “These challenges include adapting to climate change, coping with the increased minimum wage, and enhancing their competitiveness in the market,” he said. For the record, effective Jan 2, Class C trawlers without satellite trackers will not have their licences renewed and will be subject to enforcement actions if they go to sea.

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