Quick answer: For a recreational fishing licence in Malaysia at sea, the Department of Fisheries runs registration and licence applications through its eRekreasi system. The law bans fishing in gazetted marine parks, fishing boats need permission to carry anglers, and freshwater rules vary by state.
Many anglers only think about bait and weather. However, permission and location matter too. In recent years, the authorities have often detained boats and anglers for fishing in banned areas or for using boats without the right permission.
This guide sums up what we could confirm about the fishing licence in Malaysia from official sources and news reports as of November 2026. However, rules can change, and some differ by state. So always check directly with the relevant agency before your trip.
Fishing licence Malaysia: the basic law
The main law is the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317). According to the summary on Wikipedia, sea and estuary fishing falls under federal power. In contrast, river fishing is a state matter under the Federal Constitution. The Act also has separate parts on licensing, inland fisheries and marine parks.
In short, sea fishing involves the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (Jabatan Perikanan, DOF). Fishing in rivers, lakes and dams, on the other hand, can fall under state rules or the rules of whoever manages the area.
Fishing licence Malaysia: the eRekreasi system
The DOF built eRekreasi, a registration and licensing system for recreational fisheries. You can download the app from the App Store, Google Play and AppGallery. Through the app, anglers can register, apply for a licence and pay online.
The eRekreasi site also lists district fisheries offices, marine park areas and an anglers’ code. However, we could not confirm the licence types, the fees or whether every angler must register. So check the app first, or contact the DOF about your fishing licence before you travel anywhere in Malaysia.
Contacting the Department of Fisheries
The eRekreasi site lists the email hqhelp@dof.gov.my and the 1MOCC line 03-8000 8000. You can also ask at the district fisheries office near where you plan to fish.
Fishing boats in Malaysia: check the licence and permission
Many anglers miss this part, so read it carefully. An eRekreasi notice dated 12 November 2025 says that licensed local fishing vessels must get a permission letter from the Marine Department (Jabatan Laut Malaysia) to carry passengers for recreational sea fishing.
Fishing boat licences also come with conditions. On 3 October 2026, Maritim Malaysia detained a Class C vessel near Pulau Tukun, Perak, with 10 people on board, including eight anglers. According to Berita RTM, officers suspected the vessel of breaching its licence by taking anglers out without written permission from the Director-General of Fisheries.
So before you pay a deposit, ask the skipper whether the boat has permission to carry anglers. After all, a legitimate operator will usually not mind the question.
No-fishing areas
Marine parks
The government gazettes marine parks to protect sea life. In April 2021, the DOF detained 15 people off Pulau Aur, Mersing, for fishing inside a marine park. Utusan Malaysia reported that officers investigated the case under Section 43 of the Fisheries Act 1985 and seized the boats and gear.
If you visit islands such as Redang, Perhentian, Tioman or Aur, ask the boat operator where the marine park boundary is. You may be able to snorkel there, but you cannot fish inside the park.
Other no-fishing zones
State governments can also gazette no-fishing areas. For example, the waters around Pulau Besar in Melaka became a no-fishing zone to protect fish breeding grounds, according to an Utusan report from April 2025.
Freshwater fishing licence rules in Malaysia
For rivers, lakes and dams, the rules vary by state and by who manages the area. Some water supply dams ban fishing for safety and water quality reasons. Forest reserves also usually need an entry permit from the state Forestry Department, as Berita Harian reported when officers detained 32 visitors who entered without one.
National parks, state parks and PERHILITAN areas each have their own conditions. Therefore, contact the park management or the state fisheries office before fishing in places like these. For private fishing ponds, the operator sets the rules. Read our pond fishing guide for tips.
The DOF code for anglers
On 29 July 2026, the DOF published a 10-point Code of Responsible Angling. Among the points:
- Put your own safety and that of others first, and use safety equipment.
- Follow fisheries laws and stay out of banned areas.
- Keep fishing spots clean.
- Never release alien fish into natural waters.
In addition, the department encourages catch and release for fish you do not need. Release small fish quickly, handle them with wet hands and avoid touching the gills so they have a chance to survive.
Food for your fishing trip
Once you sort out the paperwork, think about food next. On a boat, the cooler box usually fills up with bait and your catch. For this reason, food that needs no fridge is more practical.
MakanHubb dishes in retort pouches last 1 to 2 years before opening, and you can eat them straight from the pack. If there is hot water, soak the pouch for a few minutes to eat it warm. Then bring all empty packs back to shore. For gear lists, read our sea fishing checklist, deep sea fishing and fishing bait guides.
Prices start from RM12.90 a pack.
FAQ about the fishing licence in Malaysia
Do I need a licence to fish from the beach?
The DOF offers recreational angler registration and licences through eRekreasi. Check in the app or with a fisheries office whether you need it for your activity.
How much does a fishing licence cost?
We could not confirm the current rates. Instead, see the fee details in the eRekreasi app or ask the DOF.
Can I fish in a marine park?
No. Fishing in a gazetted marine park is an offence under the Fisheries Act 1985, and officers can seize the boat and gear.
What should I ask a boat skipper?
Ask whether the boat has permission to carry recreational anglers, and whether there is a life jacket for every passenger.
Who controls river fishing?
River fishing is a state matter, so the rules differ. Contact the state fisheries office or the area management.
Still have questions?
WhatsApp the MakanHubb team at 012-540 0263. We reply during office hours, Monday to Friday.
