Perak:The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) has allocated RM1.8 million this year to assist 628 fishermen nationwide through the Disaster Relief and Fishermen Welfare Scheme. Its chairman, Muhammad Faiz Fadzil, said the aid covers repairs to homes and fishing boats damaged by natural disasters such as floods and storms.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the allocation for this year includes RM2 million, with the majority focused on aiding fishermen affected by floods in the East Coast states. The scheme provides a maximum assistance of RM10,000, depending on the extent of the damage. If damages exceed this limit, LKIM will request additional aid from the government through other schemes. Muhammad Faiz conveyed this information to reporters during the Madani Anak Nelayan Kembali Ke Sekolah programme.

He further mentioned that the initiative aims to ease the burden on fishermen while supporting LKIM’s efforts to ensure the welfare of the fishing community and maintain food security. Earlier, Muhammad Faiz distributed RM8,600 worth of school supplies to 100 children of fishermen in Bachok, including school bags, caps, and water bottles, along with RM50 vouchers each.

Commenting on the fish supply during the northeast monsoon, he assured that there is sufficient stock for consumers, with LKIM holding 300 tonnes and private companies contributing 1,600 tonnes. He encouraged the public to diversify their protein sources during the monsoon season to reduce dependency on seafood and aimed to educate consumers on purchasing fish according to breeding seasons to avoid high prices.