Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah’s Women Entrepreneurs Committee Vice Treasurer Fannie Chai has hailed the proposed Fisheries Act 1985 (Amendment) Bill 2025 as a potential game-changer for Sabah’s long-suppressed fishing industry.
She believes the new legislation could finally restore the State’s control over its own waters after half a century of federal dominance.
“Sabah lost its fisheries autonomy back in 1972 when the Federal Government took control under the Fisheries Act 1985. Despite contributing nearly 25 per cent of Malaysia’s total fish production, the State has been powerless to shape policies for its own industry.
“Fifty years of waiting has caused Sabah to miss countless opportunities while fishermen and coastal communities have paid an unfair price,” she said.
She said that true autonomy would allow Sabah to develop policies reflecting local needs, promote industry diversification and create a complete high-value supply chain extending from fishing to processing and exports.
Responding to recent parliamentary statements by Senator Datuk Bobbey Suan about restoring Sabah’s fisheries rights, Fannie said the amendment opens entirely new possibilities for sustainable resource management and economic growth.
However, she cautioned that without genuine Federal-State cooperation and real power transfer, the amendment risks becoming mere political posture.
“Fisheries autonomy is not only an urgent economic necessity but also a matter of fair governance,” she said, adding that this time, Sabah cannot wait any longer.
