Two Countries Join Forces to Stop Illegal Fishing

Malaysia and Indonesia have concluded an agreement to jointly monitor their connecting waters, as the two Southeast Asian countries are determined to curb illegal fishing and protect their shared marine ecosystems.

“This operation isn’t only targeting fishers from outside of the [two] countries, but also fishers from our own countries, Indonesia and Malaysia, who refuse to abide by the laws,” says Hamzah Bin Zainudin, the Malaysian home affairs minister.

Joint patrols are set to take place at least three times a year, and both countries will share technological advancements in monitoring to catch poaching vessels. Maritime security will be improved in the Strait of Malacca — one of the most heavily trafficked shipping lanes in the world — and the North Natuna Sea. In 2021, Indonesia seized 22 illegal boats and Indonesia, 14.