Yes, magnet fishing operates in a legal gray zone in Malaysia, contingent on compliance with environmental, heritage, and public safety laws enforced by multiple agencies. While no specific statute bans the activity outright, unauthorized retrieval of artifacts or interference with historical sites violates the National Heritage Act 2005 and the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Local authorities, including the Department of Museums Malaysia and state-level heritage councils, have increasingly scrutinized such activities post-2023 due to rising incidents of cultural property theft.
Key Regulations for Magnet Fishing in Malaysia
- National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645): Prohibits the unauthorized excavation, removal, or possession of heritage objects (Section 70), with penalties up to RM50,000 or 5 years imprisonment. Artifacts deemed “national heritage” under the Act are strictly off-limits, even if discovered incidentally.
- Environmental Quality Act 1974: Requires permits for activities disturbing water bodies or riverbanks (Section 29). Magnet fishing in protected areas (e.g., Ramsar sites or state parks) triggers mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) compliance under the Department of Environment’s 2024 guidelines.
- State-Specific Bylaws: Some states (e.g., Penang, Selangor) impose additional restrictions via heritage or water resource ordinances. For instance, Penang’s State Heritage Enactment 2012 criminalizes unauthorized searches in designated heritage zones, with fines up to RM100,000.