Key facts
- Foreign trawlers are reportedly entering Malaysian waters off Terengganu at night.
- Fishermen believe the vessels are Vietnamese and operate near Pulau Redang and Pulau Bidong.
- The incursions are described as a recurring problem, with vessels leaving by dawn to avoid detection.
- These activities threaten local fishing communities and Malaysia's marine ecosystem.
- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) recognizes illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing as a major concern.
Foreign trawlers are reportedly encroaching on Malaysian waters off the coast of Terengganu, particularly near Pulau Redang and Pulau Bidong, often under the cover of darkness. Local fishermen have reported these incursions, which they believe involve Vietnamese vessels that enter Malaysian waters at night and depart by dawn to evade detection. These activities have become a persistent issue for fishermen along Malaysia's eastern coast.
The repeated incursions highlight significant challenges for Malaysia's pursuit of a blue economy, which aims for the sustainable use of marine resources for economic growth, job creation, food security, and environmental protection. The ability of Malaysia to effectively govern its maritime domain is being tested by these illegal fishing operations.