Servay data on fishermen perception of marine protected areas in West Coast of Malaysia

The dataset presents findings on fishermen's perceptions of marine protected areas (MPAs), along with demographic data and profiles of the fishing community. Employing a stratified random sampling technique, data were collected from 800 fishermen along the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and West Johor). Data were obtained through face-to-face interviews using a self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis utilizing frequencies and percentages was conducted on the data. The findings, illustrated in tables and figures, offered valuable insights into MPAs and the socio-economic status of fishermen, aiding government officials, policymakers, and researchers in enhancing the enforcement of marine protected areas to meet global targets. By 2030, Malaysia aimed to expand MPAs to 10 percent in line with international commitments at the United Nations with the current area being approximately 5.35 percent of the waters in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.