Port State measures Guidelines on best practices Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Malaysia Strengthens Control Over Foreign Fishing Vessels with New e-PSM System

MALAYSIA
Monday, August 04, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Electronic system to combat illegal fishing and ensure compliance with international conservation laws

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia has launched a new Electronic Port State Measures (e-PSM) system to enhance its oversight of foreign fishing vessels and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This initiative, which aligns with international standards, aims to strengthen national security and promote sustainable fisheries management.

The e-PSM system was officially launched on Saturday, August 2, 2025, by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, during the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day 2025. This new system streamlines the application process for foreign vessels entering Malaysian ports, improving the efficiency of enforcement agencies and solidifying the country's commitment to addressing IUU fishing.

Strict Entry and Landing Requirements

Under the new system, foreign vessels must obtain prior approval from the Department of Fisheries before they can dock at any Malaysian port. As explained by Datuk Adnan Hussain, director-general of Fisheries Malaysia, vessel owners must submit a detailed application through e-PSM, including their proposed entry date, destination port, and the specific catch they intend to land.

Port State measures Guidelines on best practices Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The e-PSM system is designed to ensure that only vessels without a history of IUU fishing are granted access. Furthermore, any catch landed must comply with international conservation regulations. The minister highlighted that any restricted or banned species under international law, including those listed under CITES, will not be permitted to be landed.

Applications are assessed in collaboration with international agencies from Australia, the European Union, and regional bodies like the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and the Western Pacific Tuna Commission. This international cooperation helps to verify the registration and status of all vessels seeking entry into Malaysian waters.

Port State measures Guidelines on best practices Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Between 2024 and 2025, Malaysia approved entry for 20 foreign vessels, which landed 550 metric tonnes of tuna and related species at the Port of Penang. The Department of Fisheries is actively promoting the use of the e-PSM system through its official website and authorized local agents, who are now required to submit all applications on behalf of vessel owners.

Although Malaysia has not yet ratified the Port State Measures Agreement, this initiative demonstrates the nation's strong dedication to its core principles. The government views this enhanced enforcement as crucial, as a failure to implement such measures could be interpreted as tacit support for IUU fishing activities.

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