Kuala Terengganu: The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) is ready to assist fishermen whose homes are damaged by coastal erosion nationwide, including those in Terengganu. LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil announced that the government has allocated RM10 million under the Fishermen’s Special Housing Project (PKPN) to repair or rebuild dilapidated or damaged fishermen’s houses.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative will involve assessing houses affected or damaged, including those impacted by coastal erosion, to determine eligibility for assistance. The chairman emphasized that the primary concern is evaluating the extent of damage, regardless of the cause, to ensure eligible parties receive the necessary allocations.

Muhammad Faiz also mentioned that LKIM would collaborate with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to consider potential mitigation projects aimed at countering the growing issue of coastal erosion. He highlighted the importance of state governments taking serious measures to address these issues for the safety and well-being of coastal communities, particularly fishermen.

In a related event, the LKIM-Petronas Madani Fishermen’s Children Back-to-School Programme provided 100 primary and secondary school students from fishermen families in Kuala Nerus with schooling essentials and cash assistance. Muhammad Faiz noted that this contribution was a joint effort between LKIM, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), and the Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) to help prepare students for the new school term starting in February.