KUALA LUMPUR: The Fisheries Department will investigate a video showing suspicious fishing activities and alleged violations of fishing laws involving prohibited materials, which surfaced on social media yesterday.
According to Harian Metro, Datuk Adnan Hussain, the director-general of the Malaysian Fisheries Department, intends to gather more information about the activities and their locations for immediate action due to the seriousness of the matter.
"The situation is deeply concerning because there are individuals exploiting fisheries resources without proper oversight and using inappropriate methods, potentially violating regulations.
"We take this matter seriously despite no clear information regarding the fishing methods, location, and when the incident occurred.
"We are evaluating appropriate action regarding this matter," he said.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook statement, the Malaysia Animal Association urged the individuals in the video to step forward to clarify the validity of claims made in various social media posts regarding suspicious fishing activities and violations of the law using prohibited materials.
"However, engaging in mass fishing of protected fish in protected forest areas beyond what is necessary for survival is cruel, greedy and exceeds acceptable limits.
"The authorities, including the Forestry Department, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), and the Malaysian Fisheries Department, must conduct a thorough investigation into the group's activities in protected areas, including scenes showing piles of dead fish, regardless of compliance with existing laws," they said.
Such matters must be taken seriously to preserve the environment, resources and sustainability of the indigenous people's lives inhabiting the area.
"If proven, legal provisions can be enforced against the culprits."
The public is encouraged to come forward with information about the individuals involved.
