The Training Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/TD), in cooperation with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOFM), organized the “On-site Training on Traceability for Fish and Fishery Products for Malaysia” from 10 to 12 November 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the ASEAN-JICA Capacity Building Project on IUU Fishing Countermeasures in Southeast Asia, the Training brought together 25 participants involved in traceability systems from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS), and the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM).
The Training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of Malaysian fisheries officers in implementing effective traceability systems for both capture fisheries and aquaculture to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. It also provided a platform for exchanging experiences, identifying challenges, and exploring practical approaches to support the further development of Malaysia’s electronic traceability system.
Resource persons from the Department of Fisheries Thailand shared their experiences and lessons learned in implementing traceability systems for capture fisheries and aquaculture, including catch documentation, supply chain monitoring, data management, and stakeholder coordination. Representatives from Malaysia also presented their existing traceability frameworks, highlighting current practices and requirements for fish and fishery products throughout the supply chain, as well as international market requirements.
The Training included group discussions on identifying gaps and challenges in Malaysia’s existing traceability systems and exploring practical measures to strengthen traceability management and align national practices with international market requirements. The participants were also encouraged to develop recommendations and identify possible ways forward for improving Malaysia’s traceability systems.
Through this Training, participants were expected to enhance their understanding of traceability systems and gain practical knowledge that could be applied to future implementation and stakeholder coordination. The activity also contributed to strengthening technical cooperation and knowledge sharing between Malaysia and Thailand, supporting regional efforts to improve seafood supply chain transparency and combat IUU fishing in Southeast Asia.
