Redang island: The country's fish output is expected to decline slightly towards the end of the year as some deep-sea fishing vessels in Zone C2 have reduced operations following a sharp increase in diesel costs linked to the global energy crisis. Director-General of Fisheries Datuk Adnan Hussain indicated that rising operating costs have compelled some operators in this zone, which operate in waters more than 30 nautical miles from the coast, to temporarily suspend fishing activities as they could no longer absorb the higher fuel expenses.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zone C2 vessels do not receive subsidies unlike fishermen in Zones A, B, and C, causing some vessels to be unable to operate due to the sharp increase in fuel prices. As a result, a slight decline in fish output by the end of the year is anticipated as these Zone C2 vessels are not operating. Speaking to reporters after the World Oceans Day 2026 celebration at Redang Island Marine Park, Adnan revealed that fish landing data showed C2 vessels' catches last March stood at 13,300 metric tonnes compared with 16,200 metric tonnes in the same period last year, marking a decline of about 3,000 metric tonnes.

Fish landings were around 18,000 metric tonnes in April, down from 21,000 metric tonnes in the same month last year, reflecting a reduction of nearly 4,000 metric tonnes. Despite the decline, Adnan mentioned that the dip in output was not expected to affect the country's overall fish supply as it could be offset by production from vessels operating in Zones A, B, and C, in addition to the aquaculture subsector. Although fish supply is expected to reduce slightly by year-end, it will remain stable and sufficient to meet domestic demand, as production from the capture fisheries sector continues to average between 1.2 million and 1.4 million metric tonnes annually.

The situation has been evident since March due to increases in diesel prices in global and domestic markets prompted by geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Adnan stated that the Fisheries Department had not imposed any licence cancellations or licensing restrictions on C2 vessel operators who chose to cease operations temporarily. Meanwhile, the celebration also saw attendance from Department of Wildlife and National Parks Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, Terengganu Fisheries Director Pang Nyukang, Aquawalk Group Bhd chief executive officer Daryl Foong, and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's Institute of Oceanography and Environment Director, Prof Dr Zainudin Bachok.