Additional allocations vital to develop fisheries sector

KUCHING: More allocations are needed to rehabilitate and develop the fisheries sector in this country, said Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil.

Therefore, he expressed the hope that larger allocations would be channelled to LKIM through the 2025 Budget to achieve that goal.

According to him, this provision can be used to repair the outdated complex infrastructure, in addition to advancing the marine fishing industry.

“At the same time, we also want the government to take care of the welfare of fishermen by continuing and increasing its total allocation in terms of subsidies and incentives.

“Next, I hope that the economic projects carried out by the fishing associations can be assisted by providing additional funds to them.

“This step is to ensure that LKIM’s intentions which are summarised in the agenda 1 Product 1 of the Area Fishermen’s Association (PNK) (1P1P) can be achieved,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Satang Biru Fishing Pond in Kampung Telaga Air here, yesterday.

As such, he also encouraged competitiveness within the associations in order to obtain high yields, thus being able to build an ecosystem where fishermen do not need to depend on others.

He added that the establishment of the associations was to ensure that the fishing economy can be improved.

“When the yield increases, the fishing community no longer needs to depend on government agencies, the public or politicians.

“Let the fishermen take care of the fishermen. We want to develop the fishermen’s associations into a viable business entity and they need to be strong to carry out economic projects. It is certain that the financial capital is assisted by the government.

“In addition to them finding their own income, the associations can play a role with economic projects developed to increase the income of the fishermen who are sheltered under it, thus taking care of their welfare,” he explained.