Terengganu: A total of 280 fish aggregating devices, known locally as unjam, will be deployed in Terengganu waters this year under the state's unjam development programme aimed at enhancing fisheries resources and boosting fishermen's catches.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Terengganu Fisheries Department director Pang Nyukan announced that seven locations have been identified for the programme, with deployment beginning in Kerteh waters on July 5. He explained that 40 unjam, which are constructed from concrete culverts and coconut leaves, would be deployed at each location by local fishing communities, positioned about two to three nautical miles from the shore. "These unjam help increase fish stocks, which in turn benefits coastal fishermen," Pang told Bernama.

Pang also highlighted that the department had deployed 280 unjam last year, which is a significant increase from the planned 80 in 2024. This effort underscores the department's commitment to strengthening the state's fisheries sector. He noted that since the programme was introduced in 2018, a total of 1,376 unjam have been deployed in Terengganu waters through 2025.

Meanwhile, Mat Yassim Mohamed, chairman of the Terengganu Fishermen's Association (Penentu), expressed that the programme would be particularly beneficial for Zone A coastal fishermen. "The unjam attract various fish species to the area, thereby increasing catch productivity and fishermen's income," he said. He also expressed hope that the Fisheries Department would expand the programme to more locations, stating that the structures could help deter encroachment by trawler boats into coastal fishing zones and protect fisheries resources.