Located at the north-western part of Penang, Teluk Bahang is one of the few remaining fish villages in the island. It is home to a population of 2,531 (Department of Statistic Malaysia, 2020). Fisheries is an important part of the livelihood here, with small-scale fisheries made up of a substantial concentration. Malaysian small-scale fisheries are informally defined as an activity conducted by fishers who operate within 5 nautical miles offshore. They usually operate with smaller size vessels, smaller engine capacity and basic communication tools (Yamin & Shaffril, 2020). 

The average daily income of a fisherman in Teluk Bahang fell from RM200 to RM 50 (Ameerudheen, 2019). During my visit to Teluk Bahang, a local fisherman whom I interviewed shared that the reduction in his catch has significantly impacted his livelihood. He mentioned that a few years ago, he could easily catch fish near the shores. But now he has to venture out further, which increases his costs and decreases his earnings. To make ends meet, he takes tourists out on boat trips whenever possible. 

Small-scale fisheries remain important to the livelihood of the fishing families in Teluk Bahang. It provides employment opportunities not only to the fishermen, but also related activities, for example, boat repairs. Their high dependence on fishery resources makes them vulnerable to the impact of climate change as traditional fishing is the only skill that many in the village possess. Beyond economic values, fishing has been an important part of Teluk Bahang’s identity and tradition, preserving the livelihood of fishermen is a way to safeguarding its cultural heritage.

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Efforts taken by government to mitigate climate change risks on fisheries sector

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (2024) will be developing the Fisheries Sector Climate Change Action Plan as a guide to the government, industry, community and stakeholders in facing the challenges of climate change holistically. The Department of Fisheries has cut the number of trawler boat vessel licences issued. This means that no new boat vessel licences involving fishing zones of 30 nautical miles or less will be issued (Roslan, 2023). Department of Fisheries is also developing a way to detect plankton in the ocean using satellite technology. Fishes usually congregate in places with a lot of plankton as their food supply. This allows the fishermen to spend less time on the ocean, reducing use of petrol or diesel. 

What responsibility do individuals have towards climate change?

We leave behind carbon footprints when we move about, consume and use resources like energy. Therefore, we can shrink our carbon footprints by adopting green practices in our daily life. Notably, we can walk or cycle for short to medium distances. Using a bicycle instead of a car would reduce travel emissions by around 75% (Ritchie, 2023). Additionally, taking the public transport, carpool, opting for an electric vehicle car or taking a train in place of a plane can significantly lower emissions. Besides smart travelling choices, reducing consumption or mindfully buying what is needed, recycling and reusing items whenever possible can all contribute to a greener future. Similarly, choosing energy efficient products and unplugging electrical devices when not in use are part of climate friendly choices.

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Conclusion

Climate change is a major threat to ocean health. Small-scale fisheries are struggling to make ends meet in the face of climate change. While collective effort from the government and organisation are crucial to tackle this pressing issue, the truth is everyone can make a difference everyday. Fishing is a way of life for many small-scale fishermen not just in Teluk Bahang, but throughout Malaysia. If lost forever, it would mean the disappearance of a rich cultural heritage that has sustained communities and shaped identities for generations.