Videos of youth on small-scale fisheries
Perspectives from young individuals describing their expectations and hopes for the future of small-scale fisheries
Message from Alief Muhammad Farhan Bin Hanafi, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Malaysia
Message from Amar Mohmad Isa, MalaysiaPETRONAS (Petroliam Nasional Berhad)
Message from Alysa Nylea Shah Ridza, graduate student, Malaysia
Youth interviews from East Malaysia
Capturing the voices of young individuals and their insights on coastal and fisheries sustainability
Feddy Bin Kuntan (Kampung Sikuati – Kudat, Sabah)
The fishing industry in the Kudat district is still somewhat behind. Most fishers and fishing entrepreneurs are still old people, that is, the elderly. The youth do not show interest in this industry. I think there is a need for more financial assistance to help the growth of youth entrepreneurs in this fishing field. I believe that for the socio-economic progress of the country, the youth are the ones who need to shoulder the responsibility for its success. I have great hopes that, in the future, the district of Kudat will be the focus of a developed fishing industry. I suggest that the government hold relevant courses to attract the interest of the youth in this fishing industry as a platform for better economic growth.
Eka Riwanan Bin Nasa (Kampung Sikuati – Kudat, Sabah)
It is very disappointing to see that the fish catch in the Kudat district is decreasing. This is due to damage to fish habitat areas caused by fish bombing and poisoning activities, which are causing fish resources to decrease. For that, the Fisheries Department must play a role, such as organizing courses on modern fishing methods that are safer and environmentally friendly, such as the cage fish rearing system. I believe that the youth are the hope in the future to lead the country’s progress, so their views must be heard and considered. The Government must make efforts to create awareness campaigns to promote safer modern fishing methods and efforts to conserve fish habitats so that they do not become extinct.
"Our Future, Our Voice"
A Poem by Hemavathi Gunasegaran, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Malaysia
The ocean cries with plastic tears,
while nets trap more than fish for years.
We see the mess, we feel the strain
a broken world we cannot sustain.
But hope still grows where waves meet sand,
in hands that heal and hearts that stand.
Young voices rise, both strong and clear,
the future’s ours, and we are here.
We dream of seas where life can thrive,
where coasts and communities survive.
Give us the tools, the chance, the fight,
we will turn the tide and make it right.
The future’s not a blueprint, but a boat we will rebuild,
with sails stitched from stories the elders once stilled.
The “Future We Want” is not yours to design,
we will fish for solutions, but first, let us define.
