DOF Grants Approval For Use Of Special Monsoon Season Trawl Net Until Feb 2026

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- The Department of Fisheries (DOF) has granted approval for the use of the Monsoon Season Trawl Net (PTMT) from Dec 1, 2025, to Feb 28, 2026.

DOF director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said the approval was granted in a controlled manner, taking into account both the socio-economic needs of fishermen as well as the sustainability of the nation’s fishery resources to ensure food security remained at an optimal level.

He said a total of 223 Special PTMT approvals had been issued across four East Coast states, namely Terengganu (152), Kelantan (41), Pahang (29), and East Johor (1).

“All approvals are granted subject to strict conditions, including the use of traditional vessels under 15 gross registered tonnage (GRT), operation by the owner, installation of adequate safety equipment, and compliance with a net mesh size of over 38 millimetres.

“Each vessel is also required to install a turtle excluder device before approval is granted, as part of measures to protect endangered marine species such as turtles,” he said in a statement today.

Adnan said that during the operation period, all special PTMT vessels were permitted to operate only beyond two nautical miles from the coast and between 6 am and 6 pm.

He said vessels were also required to carry a special approval letter during operations, while any extension application after Feb 28, 2026, would not be allowed.

The DOF would carry out regular inspections and resource assessments to ensure compliance remained at an optimal level, he added.

Adnan said the special PTMT was not a free concession for Zone A vessels, but a regulated mechanism closely monitored to protect fishermen’s livelihoods during the monsoon season while preserving the country’s fish resources.

“PTMT approval will be revoked immediately should there be complaints from stakeholders or proof of any violation of the conditions to safeguard ecological balance and the coastal fishing community,” he said.

Adnan said that any PTMT operator found violating the approval conditions may face legal action under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985, which provides for a maximum fine of RM20,000, imprisonment, or both.

He said the DOF remained committed to implementing science-based, responsible, and sustainable fisheries management to safeguard the country’s food security and ensure the long-term competitiveness of the fishing community.

--BERNAMA