Sarawak Fishermen Protest Costly Tracking Devices, Demand Resolution

Sarawak Fishermen Protest Costly Tracking Devices, Demand Resolution

By Minul Islam Rony

SIBU, Jan 5 – Fishermen across Sarawak have launched a week-long protest against the mandatory installation of Mobile Tracking Units (MTUs) on their Class C fishing vessels. They cite unresolved issues with a prior tracking system and the high financial cost of compliance as key reasons for their frustration.

The Sarawak Fishing Vessel Association (SFVA) president, Harry Tan Joo Seng, revealed a troubling history surrounding such tracking systems. Back in 2017, fishermen paid for Automatic Identification System (AIS) devices, but these were never installed as the agent responsible vanished along with their payments. Despite repeated appeals to the Fisheries Department for assistance, no action was taken.

Sarawak Fishermen Protest Costly Tracking Devices, Demand Resolution
Sarawak Fishermen Protest Costly Tracking Devices, Demand Resolution / Photo Credit: Harry Tan

“Now, we’re facing the same situation. They ask us to pay first, but if the MTU isn’t installed, who will compensate us? No one is answering this,” said Tan during a phone interview.

The MTU installation costs RM6,000 upfront, along with an additional RM2,000 annually for satellite services. This hefty price tag has added to the fishermen’s financial woes.

In May 2024, fishermen raised their concerns, prompting the Fisheries Department to delay enforcing the MTU requirement until January 2, 2025. However, with the directive now in effect, non-compliance could result in fishing license renewals being denied.

In response, 218 fishermen from Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, and Sarikei began their protest on January 4. Tan clarified that the protest is a plea for understanding, not defiance.

“We’re not trying to create conflict. We just need the authorities to see how burdensome this is for us,” he explained.

Following the protest’s launch, a Fisheries Department representative from Putrajaya invited the SFVA for negotiations. Tan and other representatives are scheduled to meet officials tomorrow, with hopes of reaching a fair resolution.

For now, the protest will continue until their grievances are addressed.

Share This Article