ArchiveS ArchiveS

MALAYSIA INTERVENTION STATEMENT

MINISTRY OF ECONOMY, MALAYSIA

 

 

Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, Science and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Its Sustainable Development Goals for Leaving No One Behind

 

SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

 

 

 

Mr. President,

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

1. Malaysia places strong emphasis on protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of life below water. Fisheries are vital to national food security, with capture fisheries playing a major role in overall production. In 2024, capture fisheries produced 1.39 million metric tons, valued at RM11.8 billion, accounting for 72.8% of total fisheries output.

 

2. As of May 2025, 5.54% of Malaysia’s marine areas are protected under national legislation and is working towards its target of conserving 10% of its waters by 2030.  A policy document blueprint is being prepared that will identify suitable marine areas for protection based on scientific evidence.

 

3. Malaysia remains strongly committed to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. We continue to strengthen national legislation by amending existing laws and regulations, ensuring that enforcement measures are robust and effective in protecting marine resources.

 

4. On 26 February 2024, Malaysia officially deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Protocol of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies under the World Trade Organization (WTO). It underscores the nation’s commitment to ending subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as those that support overfished stocks and unregulated high seas fishing. Malaysia also remains actively engaged in ongoing negotiations to address outstanding issues and further strengthen the disciplines of the Agreement.

 

5. As part of its regional cooperation efforts, Malaysia actively participates in the ASEAN Coordinating Taskforce on the Blue Economy and supports the ASEAN Blue Economy Implementation Plan, which is expected to deliver mutual benefits across the region.

 

6. Moving forward, Malaysia will continue to regularly conduct marine stock assessments to ensure that effective management measures are in place, supporting the sustainable development and long-term health of ocean resources.

Thank you.