Dr Hazland: Fishermen must embrace technology to safeguard food security

KUCHING (March 30): Fishermen must embrace modern technologies and sustainable practices to secure both their livelihoods and the nation’s food supply, said Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.

Hailing fishermen as guardians of the sea, Dr Hazland acknowledged them as the backbone of national food security while highlighting their role in stabilising coastal communities and supporting the local economy.

“Fishermen are not just suppliers of food — they are custodians of our marine ecosystems. Sustainable fishing protects resources for future generations,” he said when opening the Sri Muara Area Fishermen Association (PNK) 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Kampung Muara Tebas community hall here today,

The Demak Laut assemblyman noted the industry’s challenges, including unpredictable weather, declining catches, rising costs, and competition from foreign and illegal operators.

Dr Hazland urged fishers to adopt the Global Positioning System (GPS), sonar, digital marketing, and e-commerce, while encouraging younger generations to innovate in aquaculture and seafood processing.

“The fishing sector must evolve into a competitive, high-income industry. It is time for our youth to take the helm and modernise the trade,” he said.

Welfare and safety were also emphasised, with Dr Hazland calling for social protection, stable incomes, and essential infrastructure like jetties and cold storage facilities.

To support the association, he contributed RM30,000 in annual funds to PNK Sri Muara.

He also acknowledged the association, established 35 years ago, now boasts over 500 members.

The AGM was attended by Malaysian Fishing Industry Board (LKIM) state deputy director Zulkarnain Othman and PNK Sri Muara chairman Ibrahim Sapek, who in his welcoming speech praised Dr Hazland’s efforts in empowering the community.