Make full use of Tanjung Bako Fisheries Port when landing catch, Kuching fishermen told

KUCHING (Oct 13): The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) will intensify its collaboration with the Sarawak government to ensure all fishing vessels from the Kuching region no longer land their catch at private jetties.

According to LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil, this move is intended to encourage vessels to utilise the facilities at LKIM’s Tanjung Bako Fisheries Port (PPLTB), which has been equipped with modern facilities to support the fishing industry.

“This doesn’t mean we plan to shut down private or commercial jetty operations around Kuching. Rather, we believe it is essential for fish landing activities to be done at PPLTB, a modern facility equipped with comprehensive support,” he said after officiating a Rahman Mesra Madani programme at Kampung Muara Tebas here today.

Faiz pointed out the effort aligns with LKIM’s broader ambition of positioning Sarawak as a leading state in Malaysia’s fisheries industry.

He said this is because LKIM needs strong support from vessels around Kuching to ensure active fish landing at PPLTB, which matches the potential of the state, and expressed confidence this initiative would receive widespread cooperation from various stakeholders.

“If this effort turns into a white elephant project, it would be the government and fishing industry players who suffer the losses. Therefore, fish landing activities should take place at the Tanjung Bako Fisheries Port,” he said.

During the event, Faiz also praised the strong cooperation from fishing boat operators in Sarawak who have shown their understanding of the government’s aim to enhance the fisheries sector, and that at the Tanjung Manis Port, LKIM has seen positive growth in vessel landings and are seeing similar progress at Tanjung Bako.

He noted there are currently 152 registered vessels around Kuching and with ongoing operational reforms, the number of vessels landing their catch at Tanjung Bako has already increased to 83.

“We are confident with continued cooperation from the state government, all vessels in Kuching would eventually land their catch at PPLTB, boosting the local economy and benefitting the community,” he said.

For context, Sarawak ranked sixth in the country in fish landing volume for 2022 and 2023 with a total of 83,901 metric tonnes.

During the event, several forms of assistance amounting to RM461,100 were distributed, benefitting fishermen from PNK Sri Muara.

The aid comprised RM380,400 in cost-of-living allowances for 137 fishermen; RM49,500 in fishing net assistance for 100 fishermen; and RM25,000 in equipment aid for two fishermen under the B40 capacity building programme.

Other support included the Natural Disaster and Welfare Fund for Fishermen, an education fund for fishermen’s children and essential rice supplies to 100 members of the Sarawak Fishermen’s Association.