Penang: The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) hopes that the government will continue to implement several key initiatives for fishermen in Budget 2027. These include allocating RM3 million for the provision of fishing equipment, as well as continuing to provide living allowances, diesel subsidies, and housing repair assistance.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, LKIM's chairman, Muhammad Faiz Fadzil, stated that the authority has also requested additional funding from the government to upgrade outdated fisheries infrastructure, including fish landing docks, particularly for fishermen in Zone A. Other facilities necessary for fishermen are also on the list of priorities.

"In addition to maintaining the existing support, we are also requesting additional funds to repair or upgrade outdated fishing infrastructure, as well as to build new facilities that are needed. We have identified which docks need to be repaired or replaced. We also hope that the government will pay attention to the development of aquaculture. As marine fishery resources are declining, funds are needed to repair old and damaged aquaculture ponds," he said.

Muhammad Faiz relayed this information to reporters after the LKIM Chairman Rahmah Mesra MADANI programme, held in collaboration with fishermen from Penang at the Dewan Datuk Haji Ismail Che Chik in Bakau Tua, Penaga. A total of 103 fishermen benefitted from various initiatives undertaken by LKIM, with a total cost of RM615,900.

He further highlighted that there are currently around 42,000 to 43,000 fishermen in Zone A across the country who depend on improved fish landing facilities to support their daily activities. Last year, LKIM received nearly RM2 million for the construction and renovation of docks, yet this amount remains insufficient as requests continue to pour in from various regions.

Meanwhile, through Budget 2026, the government allocated RM3 million for providing fishing equipment to fishermen nationwide, with Penang receiving an allocation of RM180,000. The assistance targets active fishermen from the B40 group to help them increase productivity and fish catch, thereby boosting their incomes. Muhammad Faiz noted that the assistance's usage is being monitored, and no cases of abuse have been reported so far.