KUCHING, April 12 -- Sarawak's deep-sea fishing industry is on the brink of collapse as soaring diesel prices have forced most Category C2 vessels to halt operations, prompting urgent calls for targeted fuel subsidies to avert a seafood supply crunch.

According to Sarawak Fishing Vessels Association chairman Harry Tan, fewer than 30 C2 (deep-sea fishing) vessels remain licensed statewide, with many already ceasing operations as industrial diesel approaches RM7 per litre.

He said the situation had become critical for deep-sea operators, who are required to fish beyond 30 nautical miles from shore, resulting in significantly higher fuel consumption and costs.

"At the moment, we cannot go out to sea any more. We are only maintaining our l...