Expansion Of Special Boat Licences Opens Access To More Assistance For Fishermen - DOF
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The RM30 million allocation to increase the number of special boat licence holders from about 17,000 to 20,000 could improve eligible fishermen’s access to various facilities and assistance, said Department of Fisheries (DOF) director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain.
He said the initiative, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling Budget 2027 yesterday, was in line with the aspirations of the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 to develop a competitive, sustainable and resilient fisheries sector.
“The expansion of the special boat licence scheme must be supported by eligibility verification and orderly licensing management processes, in accordance with relevant legal provisions, including the Fisheries Act 1985, to ensure that fisheries activities are managed with due consideration for resource sustainability and the well-being of fishing communities.
“In addition, the RM178 million allocation for catch incentives and the Fishermen’s Cost of Living Allowance of up to RM300 a month can help ease the cost-of-living burden and support the livelihoods of eligible fishermen,” he told Bernama today.
Adnan also explained that the diesel subsidy of RM1.65 per litre helped reduce fishing operating costs, particularly fuel expenses, thereby supporting the continuity of fishing activities and the country’s fish supply.
He said that the department would continue to strengthen the targeted delivery of assistance, aquaculture development and sustainable fisheries resource management to increase the income of fishing communities and ensure the resources could be utilised continuously.
Meanwhile, the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) said the RM40 million allocation for aquaculture projects could expand business opportunities for fishermen while increasing local fish production capacity.
Its chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the RM30 million allocation to increase the number of special boat licences was expected to help boost domestic fish supply while safeguarding fishermen’s interests and welfare.
“The MADANI Government’s concern for the fishing community will further increase the domestic supply of local fish while ensuring that the interests and welfare of Zone A fishermen are protected,” he said.
National Fishermen’s Association (NEKMAT) board chairman Abdul Hamid Bahari said the incentives and special allocations announced under Budget 2027 reflected the MADANI Government’s concern for fishermen and recognition of their sacrifices in ensuring the country’s food security.
“On behalf of the entire fishing community, from Perlis to Sabah and Sarawak, NEKMAT would like to express its deepest appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and the Malaysian Government.
“These assistance measures and incentives not only ease the cost of living and daily operating expenses, but also motivate us to continue going out to sea to ensure a secure fish supply for Malaysians,” he said.
-- BERNAMA