Two staff members from the Marine Engineering Section of the SEAFDEC Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD), Mr. Thaweesak Thimkrap and Mr. Khunthawat Manomayidthikarn, participated in a study visit to Malaysia and Indonesia on fishing port standard and fishing port Management (Waste and Pollution Management) from 12 to 16 January 2026. They were accompanied by Dr. Sutak Jirarattanawong, Deputy Executive Director for Fisheries Business Development (FMO), and Ms. Roongnapa Wongwaipairote, Head of the Establishment Inspection Group (Department of Fisheries). The objectives are to conduct a study visit and observe best practice standards for waste and pollution management at fishing ports, both LKIM Batu Maung and Teluk Bahang Fisheries Complex in Malaysia, and Bungus Oceanic Fishing Port at Padang, Indonesia. This activity is under the BOBLME project phase II, Component 3: Management of coastal and marine pollution to improve ecosystem health.
LKIM Batu Maung and Teluk Bahang Fisheries Complex, Malaysia
From 12 to 13 January 2026, Mdm. Rashima bt. Baharuddin, the Deputy Director-General of Development of the Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (LKIM), chaired a management engagement session and led a site visit in Pulau Pinang. The session focused in particular on unloading activities and waste management systems, with the aim of supporting future studies and regional cooperation initiatives.
The visit provided a platform for technical exchange, allowing participants to observe port operations firsthand, discuss operational challenges, and share experiences on improving efficiency, cleanliness, and environmental sustainability at fishing ports.
Also in attendance were the Director of the Infrastructure Division, the Director of the Fish Landing and Strengthening Supervisory Division, representatives from the Design and Development Division, and officials from the Malaysian Fisheries Department. Their participation contributed to comprehensive discussions on port infrastructure planning, regulatory oversight, and the implementation of effective waste management practices in line with national policies and international standards.
Bungus Oceanic Fishing Port, Padang, Indonesia
From 15 to 16 January 2026, Mr. Widodo, S.Pi, M.Sc, the Head of the Bungus Ocean Fishing Port, offered important insights into the operational and environmental management practices at Bungus Oceanic Fishing Port (PPS Bungus). It included an overview of the port profile and environmental management system, discussions with port management, and on-site observations of key activities such as fish landing and unloading, marine waste handling, technical inspections, seafood processing, ice production, and vessel docking and repair.
A key highlight was the integrated waste management approach, particularly the Waste Bank initiatives, which demonstrated effective inorganic and organic waste management practices, including waste exchange systems, eco-paving production, maggot cultivation, and composting. The visit concluded with a discussion session to share observations, exchange experiences, and identify lessons learned to support improvements in waste and pollution management at fishing ports in the region.
