UKM is committed to ensuring that food sourced from aquatic ecosystems on campus adheres to sustainable practices in alignment with Malaysia’s Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317). By prioritizing suppliers who comply with this Act, UKM supports responsible harvesting, conservation of marine biodiversity, and protection of vital habitats. This commitment ensures that seafood provided on campus is sourced from licensed, regulated fisheries and aquaculture farms that uphold sustainable fishing methods, helping to safeguard Malaysia’s aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

Malaysia Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317)

UKM adheres to Malaysia Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317) by implementing sustainable sourcing practices for food from aquatic ecosystems, aligning with the Act’s focus on conservation, responsible harvesting, and ecosystem protection. Here’s how UKM ensures compliance with this key legislation:

1. Sustainable Harvesting and Conservation: UKM prioritizes seafood sourced from suppliers who follow sustainable harvesting practices in line with the Fisheries Act. By supporting suppliers that prevent overfishing and protect marine habitats like coral reefs and mangroves, UKM contributes to the conservation of fishery resources, ensuring that its seafood consumption does not endanger marine life (Section 6, 7 and 8).
   
2. Licensing and Regulation Compliance: The Fisheries Act mandates that all fishing activities be licensed to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. UKM collaborates with licensed suppliers, ensuring that all seafood served on campus is sourced from regulated fisheries. This adherence helps protect fish populations and preserves aquatic ecosystems by maintaining legal and sustainable fishing limits (Section 11, 13 and 19).
   
3. Control of Fishing Methods: UKM ensures that its seafood suppliers avoid harmful fishing methods, such as using explosives or poisons, which are prohibited under the Fisheries Act. By sourcing from suppliers who use eco-friendly techniques, UKM supports practices that protect marine ecosystems and contribute to the health and sustainability of fish stocks (Section 26 and 27).
   
4. Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: The Act also regulates aquaculture, promoting eco-friendly farming to lessen the impact on wild fish populations. UKM can support sustainable aquaculture by sourcing seafood from farms that follow these guidelines, helping reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and supporting alternative, environmentally responsible sources of seafood (Section 40 and 41).
   
5. Marine Protected Areas: The Fisheries Act has designated marine parks and protected areas where fishing is limited or prohibited to allow marine life to thrive. UKM’s adherence to the Act involves respecting these protected areas by sourcing seafood from regions outside these zones, allowing fish populations in these sanctuaries to replenish naturally (Section 41 and 43).
   
6. Alignment with International Standards: Malaysia’s Fisheries Act aligns with international conservation standards, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), which promotes sustainable use of marine resources. By adhering to the Act, UKM supports global sustainability goals, ensuring that its food sourcing practices contribute to the responsible use of ocean resources and the protection of marine biodiversity (Section 1A, 6 and 61).

In practice, UKM compliance with the Malaysia Fisheries Act 1985 means selecting suppliers who follow sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, verifying licenses, and ensuring adherence to environmental regulations. These efforts allow UKM to support the conservation of Malaysia’s aquatic ecosystems, promote the sustainable use of marine resources, and provide responsibly sourced seafood on campus. Through these actions, UKM upholds its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, aligned with national legislation and global conservation goals.

Additional Evidence

Release of Fish Seeds at Tasik Chini UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Site

In 2022, UKM undertook a significant ecological initiative by releasing 21,000 Lampan Sungai Baung fish into the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Tasik Chini. This restocking project, aimed at enhancing sustainable food resources from aquatic ecosystems, aligns closely with The National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025. By reintroducing native fish species, UKM not only bolsters food availability for local communities that rely on these resources but also aids in maintaining the ecological balance and biodiversity of Tasik Chini. The initiative is part of UKM’s broader commitment to fostering sustainable practices that ensure the resilience of aquatic ecosystems and contribute to Malaysia’s long-term goals in biodiversity conservation and food security.

Fish Species Inventory

Species	Local  Name	Individual	Mean Physical		b value
			Standard Length  (cm)	Weight(g)
Family Notopteridae
Notopterus notopterus	Potok/Selat	213	17.1	37.2	2.98
Family Cyprinidae
Thynnichthys thynnoides	Loma	112	18.3	65.9	2.01
Labiobarbus fasciata	Mengkawan	18	18.8	60.7	2.61
Family Siluridae
Kryptopterus bicirrhis	Lais	12	22.9	53.9	2.44
Family Helostomatidae
Helostoma temminckii	Tembakang	10	15.3	95.1	3.20
Family Cyprinidae
Cyclocheilichthys apogon	Cemperas	8	13.7	30.7	3.20
Labiobarbus festiva	Mengkawan	8	18.9	79.0	3.24
Family Bagridae
Mystus singaringan	Kenjing	7	15.1	92.3	2.71
Family Cyprinidae
Osteochilus vitattus	Terbul	9	15.5	47.2	2.88
Family Pristolepididae
Pristolepis fasciata	Patong	5	10.7	58.9	2.59
Family Cyprinidae
Osteochilus melanopleura	Terbul jalur	6	18.7	56.3	3.16

Aquatic Ecosystems at UKM

UKM has several important water bodies, including fish ponds and lakes, which play a major role in the campus ecosystem. Fish ponds at UKM not only serve as recreational areas but also as habitats for various species of fish and small aquatic life that contribute to the balance of the ecosystem. Lakes, in addition to being natural attractions, also support various species of flora and fauna, including aquatic plants, insects, birds, and amphibians that depend on the water environment for their survival. The ecosystems that live in these fish ponds and lakes involve complex interactions between organisms such as fish, aquatic insects, and microorganisms that play a role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and water quality control. Aquatic plants found in the lakes function as natural filters that help absorb pollutants and support biodiversity. The presence of birds that often stop by the lake area adds to the diversity of the ecosystem, indicating that the water bodies at UKM support the lives of various species and are important for the maintenance of the campus ecosystem. Therefore, fish ponds and lakes at UKM not only provide a conducive environment for aquatic life but also function as learning sites for biodiversity, ecology, and environmental conservation studies. The preservation of these water bodies is important to ensure ecological balance and as a step towards achieving sustainability goals, especially those related to SDG 14: Life Below Water.