Strictly no ‘Ali Baba’ business, dept warns fishy boat operators

This is a very serious matter as it can affect the livelihood of our own fishermen and also the state’s marine resources.

MIRI: The Fisheries Department is strongly reminding local operators against abusing their licences by leasing their vessels to foreign fishermen.

The department’s state director Belayong Nyuak warned these boat owners that they could have their licences revoked if there was proof that they were letting foreign operators use their vessels to fish.

“This is a very serious matter as it can affect the livelihood of our own fishermen and also the state’s marine resources,” he told The Borneo Post after attending a meeting among local fishermen here yesterday.

According to Belayong, the department did not want the ‘Ali Baba’ kind of fishermen in the state – those who obtained their fishing

Belayong Nyuak, Fisheries Department’s state director

licences but connive to lease their vessels to foreign fishermen.

So far, he disclosed that the department had not received any report on irregularities with regard to licensing for long boat and ‘sampan’ (smaller, traditional boat) categories here.

He reiterated that such licensing was meant only for ‘genuine’ local fishermen.

“We strive to enable local fishermen to go out to sea, earn their living and provide for their families.

“This is why it is a serious offence for them to lease their vessels to foreigners because this does not only affect them, but also the whole fishing community.”

Belayong was commenting on recent reports of fishermen from the Southern Philippines – comprising the Suluks and Bajaus – joining local fishermen to catch fish in Sarawak waters.

It was discovered that some of these foreign fishermen were using unlicensed boats.

On another subject, Belayong called on local fishermen to work together with his department, especially in providing feedback as well as reporting any sighting of foreign fishermen fishing in Sarawak waters.

“This is one way to help us counter any intrusion. The information provided by you will enable us to undertake appropriate actions,” he said.