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Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

Getting posters of marine fish and freshwater fish types
Posters can be obtained from the Publication Unit, Fisheries Extension Division, Fisheries Headquater Putrajaya by contacting Puan Noor Ikhwanie binti Zainal (03-8870 4587) / Encik Mohd Asmadi bin Ikhwan (03-8870 4584)
 

Quotations opening for the Department of Fisheries Malaysia is notified through Headquarters Notice Board, State Fisheries Office, Institute, Centre and district or on the Department’s website or through the e-perolehan website. Department of Fisheries tender opening is notified through advertisements in the newspapers, Headquarters bulletin boards or the Department’s website and the e-procurement website.

 

The Department of Fisheries grants approval or permission for import/export and movement of live fish only. Thus, the importation of biological samples of marine life preserved with formalin is not under the jurisdiction of the Department.

 

In accordance with the Act and Regulation of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, each vessel/boat used for fishing must be licensed. In your case, even for your own use they need to be licensed. But perhaps if you are not a genuine or full-time fisherman, no registration card and licence for sampan or outboard engines are released anymore.

Therefore it is advisable that you obtain a licence from the Marine Department for recreational purposes. You also can go to the nearest District Fisheries Office/Marine Department for advice.

The Department of Fisheries does not provide subsidies but does provide assistance in the form of input. In addition, the department also provides Aquaculture production motivation incentives. Small-scale and commercial farmers are also entitled to such incentives that are paid based on production. The small-scale farmers of freshwater fish including catfish and others are paid RM 570 per tonne of fish produced. Payment will be made subject to the existing provisions.

However, for more information you may contact the district or state fisheries office.

The price of fish is determined by supply and demand. However, during festive seasons, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) will cap prices of certain fish for the benefit of consumers. Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) is entrusted to handle the marketing of fish markets in Malaysia but not to set the price. Price is determined by the market.

 
 

The National Fishing Industry is divided into two (2) sub-sectors that are capture fisheries and aquaculture:

Capture Fishery

Capture Fishery sub-sector is managed to ensure that fisheries resources are exploited in a sustainable and profitable manner. Limited fisheries resources factors do not allow the increase of number of vessels done with impunity. Based on the status of existing resources, only deep sea fishing still has the  potential for development. Other factors affecting the fishing industry is a lack of interest among locals to work on the deep sea fishing vessels, loss during/after harvest (post harvest losses), invasion of foreign fishing vessels, the use of equipment that is not resource friendly and downstream activities (processing) which have yet to be fully developed in our country.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture sub-sector has high potential to be developed in the country. Among the factors affecting the development of the aquaculture industry is a huge start-up capital, the difficulty of obtaining a suitable area and the threat of disease. The country is not left behind in terms of technology and the Department is always ready to help with the technical aspects. The fry shortage issue is due to lack of operators as the method/technique to produce fry are readily available in our country.

The two sub-sectors of fisheries also face problems in terms of lack of local workers, the need to comply with international standards, competition and the need to produce quality products safe for consumption and cheaper than imports.

According to the CITES Act 2008 (Act 626), Section 10 and 12, it is an offense if a scheduled fish species (Appendix 2) in Table 3 – Scheduled Species is possessed without a permit. However, for fish that have been preserved or acquired before this, the Department will implement the registration process for the purpose of fish authorisation soon.

Please refer to the nearest District or State Fisheries Office for more information.

Department of Fisheries releases its Annual Fisheries Statistics Book annually and it is possible that the information may be obtained from the Book. The book is available for sale at the Publication Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, Precinct 4, Putrajaya for only RM 10. The book can also be downloaded from the statistics page of the Department of Fisheries Website.

Department of Fisheries releases its Annual Fisheries Statistics Book annually and it is possible that the information may be obtained from the Book. The book is available for sale at the Publication Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, Precinct 4, Putrajaya for only RM 10. The book can also be downloaded from the statistics page of the Department of Fisheries Website.

If the cockles are to be exported are alive, it must be adult and sized not less than 25mm. The following conditions must be satisfied before the export of cockles can be done:

  1. Exporters are required to register with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
  2. Exporters are required to register with MAQIS to obtain MAQIS export permits.
  3. Exporters are required to apply for an export licence of Alive Fish/Cockles from the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM).
  4. Exporters are required to obtain information on the analysis requirements determined by the importing country.

Before cockles can be exported, it needs to be accompanied by health certificates obtained from state Fisheries Biosecurity Unit at the exit and the application must be made 3 days prior to the cockles date of export. Health certificate will be issued based on the analysis requirements of the importing country.

For the purpose of application to register a farm under CITES, a proposal on your farm should be prepared and forwarded to the Department of Fisheries Malaysia. The Department will then make a review of the proposal before the audit based on the checklist and conditions set by the Geneva CITES Secretariat. The completed proposal will then be sent to the CITES Secretariat in Geneva to be reviewed and approved.

For more information about proposal preparation and others, you can contact Puan Norashikin bt Daliyana at line 03-8870 4682 or email to the following email address norashikin@dof.gov.my.

You are required to obtain CITES certificate for live coral from country of origin which it is imported from and submit application to obtain CITES permit from Malaysian Fisheries Department. CITES permit from country of export shall be forwarded to the Department for CITES Import Permit application. CITES Import Permit application form can be obtained from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia website. Please refer to CITES Import/Export Permit For Endangered Aquatic Species – Act 686 for further details on application and required forms.

 

For more infomation refer at the link below to the Guidelines for the Implementation of the ICT Project Management and Procurement Governance for the 13th RMK.

FAQ-ICT Project Management and Procurement Governance for the 13th RMK
*Document only in Malay Versio

Aquaculture FAQ

Aquaponics
Aquaponics is an acronym for Hydroponic Aquaculture demand using an integration system between aquaculture activities and hydroponic planting in rearing containers (tanks/ponds). In simple language, it means farming fish in a tank with vegetables where the final production will be fish and vegetables. Farmed fish are not from the type that consume vegetables, but instead they are non-eating vegetables small fish (ornamental fish) such as guppy, platy, molly etc.The edible fish that are suitable to be farmed are Gourami, Climbing Perch, Snakehead and Catfish. While, suitable type of vegetable is water spinach, green leafy vegetable floated on the surface of the tank using cork or polystyrene. The plants in this system will absorb nutrients from the water produced from fish feces and food waste. (Plants as biological filters)Having the absorption of nutrients by plants will make the water become clearer, improved water quality and the ecosystem in the tank will be more balanced where fish can live healthily and grow. Plants placed in the rearing tank must not exceed 1/3 of the surface area of ​​the tank so that sunlight can penetrate to the base of the tank and will encourage the growth of plankton as a natural food for the farmed fish.If you have any question, please contact Marine Aquaculture Branch, Fisheries Headquater Putrajaya Tel : 03-8870 4784. 
 

Catfish can be bred in reservoirs such as ponds, fibre glass tanks, cement tanks and canvas tanks. Breeding using the canvas system is a new innovation in the field of aquaculture and has started since 2006. Breeding is conducted in breeding sets with a frame measuring 4.5 m x 1.2 m x 1 m and covered with high quality canvas and resistant to weather changes. The water depth in the canvas reservoir is 0.4 m. Catfish fry with a size of 3 inches or 10 gm and above were released with a release rate of 129 fish/m2. These fish are fed with formula feed to ensure the quality of the fish farmed and to maintain the usage period of the system.

The breeding period of the catfish is 3 months to reach the market size (6 fish/kg). The price per unit of tank is estimated at RM 1,200.00 – RM 2,400.00. Breeding sets can be obtained through suppliers recommended by the Department of Fisheries. A list of hatcheries that produce catfish fry can be obtained from the District Fisheries Office in each state. The department has also produced pamphlets for the reference of breeders. The pamphlet can be obtained from the State Fisheries Office or from the Extension and Transfer of Technology Division, Fisheries Headquarters, Putrajaya.

To start a freshwater prawn farming project, farmers need to ensure that the selected land site is suitable for the type of breeding to be made. The site must be close to freshwater rivers and free from pollution. Prawn are more suitable to be reared in ponds and farmers need to ensure that the water supply is also sufficient for the duration of the rearing period. The recommended pond shape is a rectangular pond measuring 0.2 ha with a depth of 1.2 m. It is estimated that the construction cost of a 0.1 ha land pond complete with inlets and outlets is approximately RM 2,000 – RM 2,500. The recommended stocking is between 10-20 prawn/m2 and the use of ventilator such as paddle wheel is necessary. Commercial prawn breeding is dependent on formula feed that contains protein content between 28-35%. The breeding period is between 5-6 months (yield size 25 gm – 30 gm each).

You can contact the Aquaculture Development Division which offers Freshwater Prawn Farming courses at PPA Perlok, Pahang or any State and District Fisheries Office in your area to get more information on hatchery operators and equipment suppliers. Telephone numbers and addresses can be obtained from the Department Directory on the website.

Freshwater fish breeding such as Red Tilapia, Catfish and Climbing Perch can be carried out in cement or concrete tanks with a size of 500 m2 (50 m x10 m). It is estimated that the construction cost of the cement tank is between RM 8,000 – RM 10,000 per unit complete with inlet and outlet. It is recommended that the stocking of fry for the cement tank system is 15 fry/m2. The method of feeding and water management is the same as for other systems and priority is given to formula feed. To breed in cement tanks, it is recommended to use additional ventilation equipment, such as paddle wheel or blower to increase the survival rate of fish.

The Department of Fisheries Malaysia also offers scheduled courses and training attachment for the aquaculture sector but is limited to ground pond systems, cement tanks and cages only. To apply for a course, it can be done online or  via the District Fisheries Office. Breeders can get more information about the tank from the nearest State Fisheries Office. The address for VAT can be obtained from the website of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia in the Department Directory section.

 
    1. Advisory and technical services from time to time.
    2. Equipment loan assistance for breeding systems, depending on the type and cost allocated to the Department.
    3. Technical assistance in terms of water quality study, soil study and site study.
    4. Free fry supply for small and first time farmers, limited to the first round only.
    5. Attachment training and aquaculture courses.

    To apply for assistance please contact the District Fisheries Office near the project area or the State Fisheries Office or the Fisheries Headquarters itself. Address and telephone number can be obtained from the Department’s website at https://www.dof.gov.my/contact/locations/.

 

The Department is actively promoting freshwater fish farming, especially Tilapia and Catfish. However, currently the Department does not have any publications or courses related to eel species breeding. We suggest you refer to the nearest District @ State Fisheries Office to obtain relevant information. You are also encouraged to contact the relevant offices by referring to the Department of Fisheries Malaysia website for the latest information as a guide.

 

For those of you who are new to the marine fish breeding field, you need to attend the Marine Fish Stocking Course and Marine Fish Farming Course organized by the Department of Fisheries at the Marine Fish Production and Research Center, Tanjong Demong, Besut, Terengganu. Please visit the e-latihan on the Department of Fisheries website.

 

Before venturing into the industry/business of ornamental fish, you need to have information and knowledge in the biology of ornamental fish itself. The Department provides suitable courses for prospective entrepreneurs and information can be obtained on the website of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia. The course is held at the Enggor Ornamental Fish Centre, Kuala Kangsar, Perak. However, the Department only provides advisory services while bank loans can be applied at the nearest Agro Bank or any other bank.

 

If you want to export live fish from/to abroad, you need to have a license from the Fisheries Development Authority Malaysia (LKIM) before you can apply for a permit to import/export live fish from the Department of Fisheries through the e-permit system. A CITES permit is required if the species is listed on the CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) list.

 

Enclosed farming system in fiber glass boxes have not yet proven their effectiveness/viability. You are recommended to breed Giant Mud crabs in the following system:

  • Mangrove pens;
  • Earth ponds; or
  • Integrated farming system in floating rafts for solid crabs/crabs growth and soft crabs

The average price of crabs is RM 22/kg while the production cost is estimated at RM 15 – 16/kg. The minimum production yield is 1000 kg/month, where the entrepreneur’s income is in the range of RM 3,000/month. For income of RM 30,000/month, production must exceed 10 tons/month. The cost of breeding depends on the type of farming system made.

Seawater fish or marine fish can be farmed in tanks such as in cement tanks, fiber glass tanks and PE tanks with RAS system (Recirculating Aquaculture System). In this RAS system, marine fish are farmed intensively where water is drained throughout the rearing period, where water from the rearing tank is drained into a filter system consisting of physical filters such as sand filters, chemical filters such as protein scema and biological filters and finally this water will pass through ozone or ultra violet light before being recirculated into the rearing tank. This means that the water recirculated into the rearing tank is clean and safe for live fish. Farmed fish will be given formula feed and fertilizer fish.

To understand the marine fish farming system in tanks, you can follow the Marine Fish Farming in Tanks Course at the Tanjung Demong Marine Fish Production and Research Center, Besut, Terengganu. Please call 09-6958 626 to get information related to the course and the breeding system.

The Department of Fisheries has an assistance programme under the Aquaculture Delivery and Support Services System (SPeKs). If you meet the criteria of the programme, you are eligible to receive fry assistance, food and support equipment for your farming. You are encouraged to register with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia prior to that.

You can forward the application for assistance to the nearest Fisheries Office as it needs to go through the district level first, then the state before being forwarded to the headquarters level. You can contact the Fisheries offices by referring to the list of office locations on the Department of Fisheries Malaysia Website: https://www.dof.gov.my/en/contact-us/dof-district-office-location/.

The Department of Fisheries also provides advisory services and courses to interested members of the public. Schedules and course applications can be found in the e-latihan system on the Department’s official website as above.

Currently, the Department is still planning to build collection centers by zone. This is because, the marketing of agricultural products is under FAMA. You are advised to look for your own markets such as restaurants and hotels where the prices offered are higher than those sold to middlemen.

You can contact the FAMA branch in your state to find the nearest agricultural product collection centre for the freshwater fish market. You can also obtain information on wholesalers or fishery products collecting agents from the District or State Fisheries Office at your project site.

 

To start an aquaculture project, you need to make sure of the following first:

  • The selected land site is suitable for the type of breeding.
  • The site must be close to a freshwater river.
  • The type of system to be created; whether earth ponds, concrete tanks, cement tanks or pens.
  • Adequate water supply for breeding rounds.
  • Have a constant source of water.

Only then you can proceed with the project smoothly in terms of management. The Department has published various books on freshwater fish farming. It can be obtained from the Extension and Technology Transfer Division, Department of Fisheries Malaysia, Putrajaya.

You just need to register at the State Fisheries Office (no fee is charged) to get further information. Telephone number and offices addresses can be found at the office locations on the website of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.

Mahseer (Tor spp.) is a type of freshwater fish in the Cyprinidae family that inhabits upstream areas in the highlands that have clean water quality without pollution. This fish has not been farmed commercially because suitable farming methods have not been found. Every stocking project must be registered with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia. However, you can get more information from the nearest District or State Fisheries Office.

Freshwater Crayfish (Red Claw) or Blue Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) is a species native to Australia. It has an attractive color which is bluish and white speckled. This species is best suited to live in freshwater at a pH of 7. The mature size of this crayfish is in the range of 8 inches to 14 inches. It has been introduced worldwide as a pet species and also for the aquaculture industry. However, several studies have stated that these crayfish have had an unpleasant impact. Several studies in Australia have found the association of this Red Claw Crayfish culture with infectious diseases. For example, parasitic diseases such as Rikettsia are associated with infectious diseases to humans (Romero & Jimenez, 2002) and these parasites have been found in some Red Claw Crayfish farmed in Australia. In some other crayfish farms, viral infections resembling Parvoviridae have caused high mortality and this adds to concerns about the disease carried by this Red Claw Crayfish (Bowater et al, 2002).

The Department basically takes the entry of the species seriously and precautions need to be taken to ensure that the species is not intrusive and becomes a predator to local species if it escapes into outer waters. This must be done to ensure that the freshwater crayfish species to be farmed are safe and not dangerous, does not dominate certain waters and threaten other local species. Therefore, operators who wish to bring in and run the farming must obtain official approval and the following conditions must be complied with:

  1. Approval to import live Red Claw is limited to Cherax quadricarinatus species for farming purposes only.
  2. Each consignment carrying Red Claw must be accompanied by a Health Certificate and also a Certificate of Origin issued by the Competent Authority of the exporting country.
  3. Only live Red Claw with a size of not less than 50 gm is allowed to be imported. Transportation for the female is not permitted. However, if there is a case of importation of Red Claw that exceeds the size of 50 gm, the importer must comply with quarantine procedures and provide relevant documents from the Competent Authority of the exporting country.
  4. Any activity involving Red Claw farming must obtain approval from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia. Any transportation of breed that involves transportation from one premise to another premise must also obtain permission from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
  5. Famers need to adopt a controlled farming system, including taking into account actions to prevent this species from escaping into public waters. Measures such as putting pens around farming areas and providing special areas as treatment ponds for wastewater are proposed.
  6. Any sale or movement of Red Claw species that live in the country must also obtain approval from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
  7. Farm premises and facilities provided for farming this species need to be monitored/inspected from time to time by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia to ensure that all guidelines are followed.

The Department of Fisheries has targeted Red Tilapia and Catfish as well as Giant Freshwater Prawn to be farmed throughout Malaysia. In addition to being easy to breed, this species are also relatively stable in the market. However, you can choose to breed other fish such as Silver Catfish, Hoven’s Carp, Mahseer, River Catfish or other high value native fish.

You can contact the State Fisheries Office in your area. Telephone numbers and addresses can be obtained from the website of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.

Snakehead Murrel is a cannibal and territorial fish species. This indicates that it is not suitable for breeding in small reservoirs. The appropriate system is an earth pond. Stocking of fish in the pond is 5 fish per square meter.

You can contact your local State Fisheries Office or the Aquaculture Development Center. Telephone numbers and addresses can be obtained from the website of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.

To obtain Gourami fry, you can contact the freshwater supplier directory or contact the nearest State Fisheries Office. For your information, the fish is very easy to keep because it is resilient and eats all types of food.

 

Methods of Giant Mud Crab farming are:

  1. In the earth pond – for growth
  2. In the pen – for gowth
  3. In the cement tank – soft crab
  4. In the fiber glass tank – soft crab

The farming area must be of clay soil type and can hold water, near the source of seawater/salinity 15 – 30 ppt. The pH of the water must be 6, 7 and 8. The farming feed consists of fresh fish fertilizer, ground fish fertilizer, steamed fish fillet, shellfish meat and mussel meat. Diseases will be less acquired if the quality of breeding water is maintained. The market price of solid crab (size > 250 gm/each) for female is RM 25 – 28/kg, while the male is RM 20 – 25/Kg. Soft crab sized between 120 – 180 gm/each is priced between RM 25 – 30/Kg.

 

The Department of Fisheries conducts annual monitoring of the histamine content of pelagic fish catches through the Marine Sanitary and Phytosanitary Program (SPS Marin) and Hygiene On Board (HOB). Both of these programs are conducted annually for the needs of exports to the European Union.

Generally, the histamine content in caught marine fish was as much as 30 ppm obtained from anchovy samples in Langkawi and budu (Anchovies sauce). Determination of histamine response in aquaculture products in Malaysia was not carried out because the presence factor of histamine only include fish from pelagic type.

For more information, you can contact directly with the Fish and Public Health Branch, Fisheries Biosecurity Division, Department of Fisheries Malaysia. A detailed study of histamine content in fish was conducted by the MFFRD, Singapore. Written reports on the findings of the study can be obtained from the relevant parties.

Movement of Arowana from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah/Sarawak must be accompanied by the following documents:

  1. Certificate Of Origin from the Fisheries Biosecurity Unit, State Fisheries Office in the state of origin where the fish is farmed.
  2. Live fish transport permit issued by MAQIS.
  3. Fish business license issued by the Fisheries Development Authority Malaysia (LKIM). The Arowana must also be fitted with a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) chip as listed in the Certificate of Origin.

Information on the certificates and conditions required at the hatchery level to meet EU requirements has been provided on the official website of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia. You can browse the Department’s website and obtain information through the downloadable document of the Description Kit – Conditions and Procedure Requirements For Farm Approved for Export of Fish and Fishery Products to the European Union (EU) 2009.

If you need more information, you can contact the State Fisheries Biosecurity Unit or the Fisheries Biosecurity Division, Headquarters of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.

There are several breeding systems used to breed fish such as; ponds, cages, tanks and enclosures. Among the systems mentioned, cages are the most commonly used systems because there are many bodies of water whether rivers, lakes or sea waters. This system is used for both marine and freshwater fish species.

Meanwhile, pen culture is rarely used for large/commercial scale breeding. It is only used by small operators either in lake areas or in shallow sea waters. This is because the enclosure structure of the net is installed all the way to the bed is different from the floating cage system. As for fish cages, apart from square cages, there are round cages with a large diameter, for example 18 – 20 meters. This system is used by commercial scale operators because it requires expensive equipment acquisition and breeding handling costs.

Suitable soil for Arowana farming is of sandy clay type (clay content 55% – 60%) and water supply throughout the year from natural sources such as hill water, rivers, dams and lakes.

Water quality is as follows:

  • Temperature 29 – 31 ° C
  • pH 6.5 – 8.5
  • Dissolved oxygen 5 ppm
  • Alkalinity 60 -100 ppm CaCO3
  • Hardness of 100 ppm
  • Turbidity 30 cm and
  • Ammonia 1 ppm

Soil pH affects water quality. Therefore, liming should be done for acidic soils and the quantity of lime required is dependent on the acidity of the soil. Soil fertilization can be done using organic or non-organic fertilizers with a concentration of Nitrogen 0.95 ppm and Phosphorus 0.15 ppm.

For the purpose of exporting products such as anchovies, you need to obtain an Exporter and Importer License from the Fisheries Development Authority Malaysia (LKIM). In this regard, you need to contact LKIM for the purpose of applying for the license.

 

Fisheries Biosecurities FAQ

Application for registration of ornamental fish farm/exporter/importer/carrier of live fish
Applications must use the Aquaculture Farm Registration Form (ARF Version 1/2017) which can be obtained from the relevant State Fisheries Biosecurity Unit (UBPN).
 

Applications must use the Fishing Vessel Registration Form (FVA-01) which can be obtained from the relevant State Fisheries Biosecurity Unit (UBPN).

 

Application to bring live fish into Malaysia for the purpose of competition/exhibition/show/research is to use the Application Form for the Special Approval of Quarantine of Live Fish Brought Into Malaysia for the Purpose of Competition/Exhibition/Show/Research (BPPP-01) which can be found in the relevant State Fisheries Biosecurity Unit (UBPN).

 

Complaints can be made at any District Fisheries Office close to the scene by fillling in FDN-01 Form.

For trade and commercial activities, you must comply with the following conditions:

    1. Import/export quarantine premises must be constructed according to Biosecurity requirements for import/export activities.
    2. Premises must be registered with the relevant State Fisheries Biosecurity Unit (UBPN) where the premises are located.
    3. Apply for a Wholesale License from the Fisheries Development Authority Malaysia (LKIM).
    4. Apply for registration as an importer/exporter with the Department of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS).

You must comply with the following conditions:

  1. Have premises that have been operating in accordance to biosecurity requirements.
  2. Registered as an importer with the Department of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS).
  3. Apply for a Wholesale License with the Fisheries Development Authority Malaysia (LKIM) where the premises operate.
  4. Registered with Dagangnet Technology Sdn. Bhd. to gain access to the e-permit system.

Food safety issues for fish and fish products are under the jurisdiction of several authorities. Complaints can be channeled as follows:

  • Fish/seafood food safety issues in public markets/supermarkets: complaint to the Local Authority (PBT) and also the Food Safety and Quality Division (BKKM) under the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH).
  • Food safety issues at landing jetties owned by the Fisheries Development Authority Malaysia (LKIM): complaint to LKIM.
  • Food safety issues for fish/seafood on board fishing vessels: complaint to the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF).

If there are cases of fish deaths, you can contact any State Biosecurity Unit, State Fisheries Office or Fisheries Biosecurity Division, Putrajaya Fisheries Headquarters for the purpose of investigating the deaths. Any further action is subject to the results of the investigation into the cause of fish death and also based on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that have been set.

 

Not allowed, unless you are registered with the designated Official Control Programme. The Fisheries Biosecurity Unit of each state will conduct sampling for Official Control Programmes such as ARMP, HOB, Marine SPS, Aqua SPS, fish feed/fish powder monitoring and fish disease surveillance. The samples will be sent to the laboratory according to the designated zone.

 

There are 6 Fisheries Biosecurity Laboratories that offer analytical services for fish health monitoring and public health in Malaysia. Please refer to List of Fisheries Biosecurity Laboratories for further details.

 

None.

14 days.

 

The following farm owners are eligible to be considered to apply for myGAP Certification:

  • Farm sites are legally owned and operated (private/rental/temporary ownership/lease.
  • Has run farm for at least 1 year or one round and has a record of yield production.
  • Have updated farm documents and records.
  • Willing to receive views, comments and suggestions for improvement on Good Aquaculture Practices aspects of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
  • Have a Quality Assurance Programme (QAP) document as proof of commitment to produce quality products, safe to eat, environmental sustainability, animal welfare and prioritise employee health and safety.

Applicants who are interested and meet the criteria must submit an application to the State Fisheries Biosecurity Unit (UBPN) according to the location of the farm or premises. Further inquiries regarding the registration, auditing, approval and awarding process of myGAP certificates can also be submitted to the relevant UBPN. Briefly, the steps to obtain myGAP certification are as follows:

  • Registration
  • Audit Application
  • Selection of Team of Auditors by the Department
  • Compliance Audit Assessment
  • Fisheries Biosecurity Evaluation and Certification Committee (JKPP)
  • Approval
  • MyGAP Certificate Award
  • Status Retention
  • Recertification

The application must be submitted three (3) working days before the actual export date to the State Fisheries Biosecurity Unit (UBPN) according to the location of the exporter’s premises.

For applications for Fishmeal and Fish Food Health Certificate, the application must be submitted to the Fisheries Biosecurity Division of the Headquarters, Putrajaya. The documents that need to be submitted are as follows:

  1. Certificate Application Form – Form BPKT-01 (Download from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia Website)
  2. Invoice/Packing List.
  3. Traceability Form – BPDJ-01 Form.
  4. Copy of Fish Quality Certificate (FQC) – specifically for export to the EU.
  5. Health certificate from the exporting country for re-export purposes.
  6. Laboratory analysis report.
  7. Other documents as required.

  1. You will need to follow these procedures:

    A. Terms of Application

    1. The raw materials obtained are from sources originated from Malaysia and recognized exporting countries which are processed at certified premises in Malaysia.
    2. Sources must be from:
      • Farms registered with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia/Supervised by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia; or
      • Involved in the Aquaculture Residue Monitoring Programme (ARMP)/disease surveillance; or
        Sources of raw materials should be from disease-free farms, Irido virus, Taura Syndrome Disease (TSD), White Spot Disease (WSD), Yellowhead Disease (YHD), Infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis (IHHNV), Infectious myonecrosis, Spherical baculovirus, White tail Disease (MrNV) and certified by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia as free from OIE disease; or
      • Have myGAP Certificate or Fish Quality Certificate (FQC); or
      • Vessels that have a valid license with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia and are involved under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Sampling Programme – SPS Marine/Vessels that practice Hygiene Onboard (HOB).
      • For import sources, health certificates and disease analysis reports issued by the competent authorities of the exporting country must be attached.
      • The health certificate will be revoked if the laboratory report is found to be positive for the departed consignment. The DOF will inform the importing country of the withdrawal of the health certificate.
      • Have a track record from the source of production (BPDJ-01 Form).

    B. Export Application Procedure

    1. Application for Health Certificate for Fish Products must be submitted to the State Fisheries Biosecurity Unit according to the location of the factory or at the nearest exit using BP-KT01 Form.
    2. Applicants must understand all export requirements determined by the importing country.
    3. The application must be submitted 10 working days before the product is exported. This period can be reduced to five (5) working days if sampling and analysis has been done to two (2) weeks before harvest or the farm has a Fish Quality Certificate and under the ARMP programme.
    4. Applicants must submit:
      • List of farms/vessels that supply raw materials to the factory (BPDJ-01 Traceability Form)
      • Receipt of purchase from the farm/vessel.
    5. State Fisheries Biosecurity Unit Officer – UBPN/Head of Fisheries District – KDP/District Fisheries Superintendent – PPD/District Aquaculture Fisheries Assistant – FAAq will collect and determine samples of each batch for analysis of disease presence at the exporter’s premises. The collected samples must be sent to the laboratory for analysis purposes and all costs will be borne by the exporter.
    6. The samples collected must be sent to a laboratory recognised by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
    7. The results of the analysis must be sent immediately to UBPN where the application for this certificate is made after the report is obtained from the laboratory.
    8. UBPN/PPD/KDP/FAAq officers will also make periodic/suprise inspections of the premises to ensure that the shrimp is free from clinical signs of disease (visible sign).
    9. Certificates will be issued based on document examination and laboratory analysis results.
    10. A Health Certificate will not be issued if the consignment has departed and does not have a laboratory analysis report.

The conditions for exporting fish and fish products under Chapter 3 of the HS Code is that the applicant (manufacturer and exporter) must be registered with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia by filling in the registration form according to the activity and accompanied by the following documents:

  1. Business registration certificate with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
  2. Certificate of registration from the State Health Department (JKN)/MOH – for fish and fish products that go through a value-added process and special packaging in the factory.
  3. Wholesale License from LKIM.
  4. Certificate of Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Point (HACCP)/Good Manufacturing Practices – (GMP)/MeSTI).

Meanwhile, the conditions for the Application for Certificate of Origin Confirmation according to the type of commodity are:

  1. Packed fresh/chilled/frozen in Malaysia; 100% local products (aquaculture/capture fisheries); and exported by sea (distant destinations) and air;
  2. Packed fresh/cold/frozen in Malaysia; 100% local produce (aquaculture/capture fisheries); and exported by sea (border state) and land;
  3. Packed and exported through/within customs control areas (Free Trade Zone/Bonded warehouse);
  4. Packed fresh/chilled/frozen in Malaysia and through a transformation process that changes the tariff code classification at the first six (6) digit level.
  5. Imported and segregated and packaged; and re-exported.

Applications must be submitted three (3) working days before the actual export date to UBPN according to the location of the exit using the BPKT-01 Application Form. The documents that need to be submitted are according to the category of the type of commodity to be exported as below:

  1. Local Products (air/sea routes):
    • Purchases Invoice
    • Sales Invoice
    • Customs Form 2
    • Traceability Form
    • eLKIM/LOV Declaration
    • Bill of Lading
    • Airway Bill
    • HACCP/GMP/MeSTI
    • Product Status: Malaysia
  2. Local Products (land/sea border routes):
    • Purchases Invoice
    • Sales Invoice
    • Customs Form 2
    • Traceability Form
    • eLKIM/LOV Declaration
    • HACCP/GMP/MeSTI
    • Product Status: Malaysia
  3. Customs Control Area:
    • Duty Free Zone:
      • Purchases Invoice
      • Sales Invoice
      • ZB Import
      • ZB Export
      • Bill of Lading
      • Airway Bill
      • Product Status: Country of Origin
    • Bonded Warehouse:
      • Purchases Invoice
      • Sales Invoice
      • Customs Form 8
      • Bill of Lading
      • Airway Bill
      • Product Status: Country of Origin
    • Change HS Code (Process):
      • Sales Invoice
      • Customs Form 1
      • Customs Form 2
      • Bill of Lading
      • Airway Bill
      • HACCP/GMP/MeSTI
      • Product Status: Malaysia
    • Transhipment:
      • Purchases Invoice
      • Sales Invoice
      • Customs Form 1
      • Customs Form 2
      • Bill of Lading
      • Airway Bill
      • Product Status: Malaysia

Notes:

  • For the shrimp exported consainment to the United States, the applicant must submit the Shrimp Declaration Form, DS 2031.
  • Bill of Lading or Airway Bill can be sent later after the applicant receives the document from the port or airport authority.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an agreement governing international trade in endangered species of plants and animals. The government of Malaysia has signed this convention agreement and it is voluntary; more than 170 countries have signed and ratified CITES to date.

This Agreement contains three Appendices in which CITES endangered species are placed as follows:

  1. Appendix I: All members of the CITES Convention agree to ban all international commercial trade for the species.
  2. Appendix II: All members of the CITES Convention agree to allow trade in the species only if certain conditions are met. (For example, before a Party is allowed to export a member of an Appendix II species, it must prove that the export will not harm the wild population of that species.)
  3. Appendix III: The species is protected by at least one country, which has requested all other members of the CITES Convention to help regulate trade.

In addition to the species listed in the CITES Appendix, the Parties also agree to take other actions to protect the species in international commercial trade. For example, All members of the CITES Convention agree to adhere to the humane standards for air transportation of live animals listed in the CITES Appendix.

The CITES Secretariat, based in Geneva, is responsible for administering this agreement. The secretariat itself is administered by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

Malaysia as one of the member countries of the CITES Convention has the role of regulating trade in the species listed in the CITES appendix by issuing CITES export and import permits.

At each Conference of Parties (CoP), members of the CITES Convention submit proposals to list species in the Appendix, transfer species from the Appendix, or transfer species from one Appendix to another. Species proposals are discussed and approved or rejected by consensus or voting. Each member of the CITES Convention gets one vote. It took two-thirds of the CITES Convention, attending members vote to approve the species proposal.

 
 

At each Conference of Parties (CoP), members of the CITES Convention submit proposals to list species in the Appendix, transfer species from the Appendix, or transfer species from one Appendix to another. Species proposals are discussed and approved or rejected by consensus or voting. Each member of the CITES Convention gets one vote. It took two-thirds of the CITES Convention, attending members vote to approve the species proposal.

Importing, exporting and re-exporting Fish and Marine Life listed in the CITES Appendix (or any part or derivative of an animal or plant) requires a permit or certificate. Revisions can be made as follows:

  1. Review the CITES listed species database on the CITES website using either the scientific name or the common name of the species; OR
  2. Check with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia as the Managing Authority for CITES Endangered Fish Species and Marine Life. Please email inquiries to citeshq@dof.gov.my to determine whether the species you are interested in requires a permit or not.

Application for registration of Arowana farm under the CITES Secretariat, Geneva must be sent to the Department of Fisheries Malaysia together with the Application for Registration of Breeding Farm in Captivity Paper Work using the format provided by the CITES Secretariat, namely Panduan Penyediaan Proposal (Annex 3).

In addition, the farm must be registered as a Scheduled Species Breeding Farm under Act 686 and registered with the Fisheries Biosecurity Division as a farm/exporter to enable the farm to apply for a Live Fish Permit and Health Certificate when carrying out export activities later. Please refer to the following links for further details and required documents:

CITES Permits are only issued by the Headquarters of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia in Putrajaya. The following are the conditions that must be fulfilled to apply for a CITES permit:

  • CITES export permits are only issued to breeding farms (Arowana) that have obtained the approval and farm registration number from the CITES Secretariat in Geneva.
  • For CITES Import Permit applicants, the importer must be registered with the Fisheries Biosecurity Division as an importer and also registered as an exporter if carrying out re-export activities.

A. Export Permit Application Procedure

  • For export permit application, the applicant must fill in Permit Application Form FQ1- Amendment 2011.
    Certificate Form No. PIT – FC 02/11pin 2012 for marked fish or FC02/11Apin 2012 for unmarked fish that has been certified by staff from the District/State Fisheries Office conducting the inspection as well as a softcopy.
  • A copy of the invoice.

B. Import Permit Application Procedure

  • For import permit application, the applicant must fill in Permit Application Form FQ1- Amendment 2011.
  • A copy of the CITES export permit issued by the Management Authority of the exporting country.
  • A copy of the invoice.

C. Re-Export Permit Application Procedure

  • For re-export permit application, the applicant must fill in Permit Application Form FQ1- Amendment 2011.
  • A copy of the CITES import permit issued by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia during the incoming import application.
  • FC 05/11 re-export confirmation form for Arowana re-export application or FC 06/11 re-export confirmation form for coral re-export application and others.
  • A copy of the invoice.

All the information is required to be sent via email to the following address: citeshq@dof.gov.my. Once all the forms are completed, the applicant will receive a notification that the application received has been completed, or otherwise. If all information is sufficient, the permit will be processed completely within three (3) working days. A fee of RM 50.00 is charged for each permit issued by this Department.

Courses FAQ

Application for Industrial Training/Practical for students from Higher Learning Institutes to the Department of Fisheries Malaysia
Students may apply using using written application via their respective supervisors for Industrial training/Practical in their respective institutions and submit to Training Development and Career Advancement Division, Department of Fisheries Malaysia. 
 

The Department of Fisheries frequently updates the information on offered courses/trainings through the Online Department Training Application System (eLatihan system). The system can be accessed via the url address: http://eservices.dof.gov.my.

The system link can also be found in the Homepage of the Department of Fisheries website under the Online Services section. You may enroll into the eLatihan system and application for specific courses can be made directly through the system.

No financial assistance is provided by the Department of Fisheries. However, the Department provides technical advice on how to start up a fisheries project.

 
 

There is no fee imposed for the courses.

 

Application for courses organized by the Department of Fisheries is open to applicants between the age of 18-60 years old. Applicants should have good health, able to read and write and are Malaysian Citizens.

 

Licensing FAQ

Issuance of the licence for vessel and fishing equipment for Sampan, Zone A, Zone B and Zone C
The issuance of the the said licences have been FROZEN.
 
 

Applicants must complete the provided LPI 1/95 Form and prepare a project paperwork proposal including the submission of related supporting documents. LPI 1/95 Form and a complete guide for forms completion and project paperwork preparation can be obtained by visiting the Department’s website.

Applications must be submitted directly to Headquarters, Department of Fisheries. For those who do not have internet access, application forms can also be obtained from the Fisheries Offices closest to your residence.

Small fishermen refers to fishermen who use traditional tools such as drift nets, traps and others. Fishermen in this category are allowed to operate from 1 nautical mile – 5 nautical mile and upwards. The Department does not limit the operation of the sampan and vessels with less than 40 GRT maximum load value, laden with traditional equipment as they are more resource friendly. However, they are only allowed to operate in state waters where their vessels are licensed.

 

 

The application can be submitted simultaneously to change zone, skin, engine and equipment (if applicable) and transfer of ownership from the original owner to the company. However, each approved application can no longer be amended or changed. Please contact the related District Fisheries Office for more information.

 

The transfer of ownership for Sampan license is only allowed to the wife or children who:

  • is genuine fisherman.
  • has no other fishing vessels.
  • has no steady job and will solely work on the sampan.
  • must be local resident and Malaysian citizens.

However, in the case of death, the flexibility is given to the beneficiary who is not a genuine fisherman to transfer the boat permit to other genuine fisherman. This should be made within a period not exceeding one year after instructions from the Amanah Raya/courts/small estate is acquired (if involving inheritance/will).

Further information relating to the ownership transfer can be obtained from the District Fisheries Office.

Change of fishing boats, Zone A and B vessels license holders can only be made to the genuine fisherman. Although Amanah Raya has issued a letter of possession of the vessel, the vessel ownership must be transferred to the genuine fishermen within a year either sold or as a gift to the fisherman.

Genuine fishermen are fishermen who have fishing registration cards issued by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia to fishermen who are directly involved in the industry for a period of 120 days a year and have no other occupation.

 

An expired boat license can be renewed at the nearest District Fisheries Office where the boat is licensed by submitting a license book and fisherman’s card. For the purpose of changing the name of the owner, if no will is made, a certificate from Amanah Raya must be obtained (may take time).

Further details can be obtained from the officer at the nearest District Fisheries Office.

Fishing activities using equipment and boat/vessels/sampan are subject to the Fisheries Act 1985 and equipment and vessels must be licensed. Sampan licenses are only issued to genuine fishermen and the Department of Fisheries Malaysia also does not issue sampan licenses at this time. Bringing anglers for recreational activities is under the jurisdiction of the Peninsular Malaysia Marine Department and you can apply for a permit from the agency. However, the permit is not a permission license for you to carry out fishing activities using fishing equipment other than carrying anglers.

Please contact the nearest District Fisheries Office or Marine Department for more information to avoid the boat being confiscated or fined.

The Department of Fisheries Malaysia does not issue any fisherman’s license. Instead, the Department issues vessels and fishing equipment licenses as well as fisherman cards to genuine fishermen. Applications for vessel licenses and fishermen’s cards are processed by the Licensing and Capture Fishery Division. The division is responsible to manage the production of:

  • vessel licenses and traditional fishing equipment
  • deep sea commercial license (c2)
  • tuna fishing license
  • marine culture license (SKL)
  • fish aggregate device license (MPPI)
  • process fisherman card applications for local fishermen as well as foreign crews for foreign fishermen working on local fishing vessels

However, for the time being new units of inshore fishing gear licenses (Zones A,B and C) are discontinue except for deep sea commercial licenses (Zone C2) and commercial tuna licenses (C3)

Resource Protection FAQ

Report on a boat that encroach an area
You can contact any of the Fisheries Office or Resource Protection base or Monitoring Station, the nearest Department of Fisheries or contact the 24 hour Operations Control Centre at 03-8870 4058.
 
 

Legal FAQ

Keeping or owning fishing equipment such as drag nets for fishing purposes
No. This is because the act of storing or possessing fishing equipment such as drag nets (Pukat Rawa Sorong) for the purpose of catching fish is an offense under the Fisheries (Prohibition of Method of Fishing) Regulations 1980. Several other prohibited equipments have been specified in the regulations.