Minister: Putrajaya allocates RM136.8 mln subsistence allowance for fishermen

MIRI (Aug 11): The federal government has allocated RM136.8 million in Fishermen’s Subsistence Allowance for 38,000 fishermen throughout the country this year, in an effort to alleviate their financial burden due to the rising cost of living, said Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

The Agriculture and Food Security Minister stated that of the amount, RM19.764 million is allocated  for Sarawak, benefitting a total of 5,490 fishermen.

“Even though the country’s debt has reached RM1.5 trillion, and we must spend wisely, the welfare of our fishermen remains a priority for the government today.

“Fishermen are main contributors in developing the fisheries sector in this area, at the same time ensuring that the food supply throughout the country is sufficient and guaranteed,” he said when officiating the Rahmah Mesra Madani programme with Miri fishermen at Boulevard Shopping mall parking area here today.

Apart from the livelihood allowances, Mohamad said that the federal government also channels other assistance through various programmes and projects for the betterment of fishermen.

Among them, he said, are the B40 Fishery Capacity Improvement Programme, development of fishing facilities for fishing communities in the state, enlargement of artificial reefs, upgrading of jetty’s infrastructures, economic development projects, agro-food mechanisation and automation programmes.

For the B40 Fishery Capacity Improvement Programme, Mohamad Sabu said RM450,000 has been channelled to all 18 fishermen associations in the state, involving 38 recipients.

“This year also saw RM230,000 approved for the enlargement of artificial reefs for the fishermen communities in Sarawak to replace the old ones.”

With the new artificial reefs, he hoped that it will enhance fish breeding and thus, hence increase the country’s fish production.

Additionally, he said that the government will continue providing diesel and petrol subsidies for fishermen this year.

“For year 2024, the quota for subsidised diesel, which has been approved, is 70 million litres per month with the subsidised price set at RM1.65 per litre for diesel and petrol.

“Alhamdullilah, a total of 5,490 fishermen in Sarawak benefitted from this,” he said.

On another note, Mohamad said Malaysia is still short of about 11,000 experienced local skippers to handle fishing vessels, especially for deep-sea fishing activities in the country.

“This is serious. We are still depending on other countries (for experienced skippers),” he added.

Earlier in his speech, he said that the country still depends on countries like Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam for experienced skippers.

Among those present at the function were Sarawak Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Secretary General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak Sirai Daha and Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil.