Malaysia joins 68 other WTO members that have successfully ratified the FSA, said investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz, after the agreement was signed at the 13th WTO ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

He said the ratification demonstrated Malaysia’s commitment to global cooperation and the responsible stewardship of its oceans.

“I urge all remaining (WTO) members to join us, accelerate their domestic ratification process, and contribute to the preservation of marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing.

“Our actions and commitment today will ensure a better future for our children,” the minister said in a social media post today.

Adopted in June 2022, the FSA addresses key threats to oceans and promotes sustainable fishing practices.

The FSA attempts to work towards eliminating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, thus preserving the balance of marine ecosystems.

Tengku Zafrul said the FSA would also ensure that any subsidy on fishing provided by member countries is transparent and accountable.

“This transparency fosters responsible fishing practices and enables the effective monitoring of compliance,” he added.

He also said that the WTO would establish technical assistance and capacity-building programmes to help the developing and least developing countries integrate sustainability into their policies and strengthen their fisheries management systems.