Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) hopes the government will retain subsidies and incentives for fishermen, especially fuel subsidies, under Budget 2027 to ensure continued growth of the fisheries sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said despite the government facing financial constraints due to the global energy crisis, the board is confident it can maintain fuel subsidies for fishermen and related cost-of-living assistance. He emphasized the necessity for a larger allocation to develop and upgrade fisheries infrastructure, particularly dilapidated jetties and fish landing complexes that require urgent repair.
"The primary need for fishermen at several harbours is better-constructed jetties. Therefore, we are requesting a higher allocation specifically for jetty construction," he stated during the LKIM Chairman's Rahmah Mesra MADANI Programme with Kuala Kemaman Fishermen and the Handover of New Fishermen's Houses at the Kuala Kemaman LKIM Fisheries Complex.
Muhammad Faiz highlighted the importance of focusing on developing the aquaculture sector to help fishermen and their associations diversify and boost income streams. "I hope for a higher allocation in the field of aquaculture so that we can expand this sector among fishermen and fishermen's associations. That is among our key priorities for next year," he added.
Additionally, LKIM has requested more funds to construct artificial reefs to serve as breeding grounds and shelters for marine life. "We need more artificial reefs, and I am requesting a larger allocation from the government so we can build these breeding grounds to help fishermen increase their catch," Muhammad Faiz explained. He noted that approximately 80,000 active fishermen currently operate at sea across Zones A, B, C, and C2 nationwide.
Furthermore, Muhammad Faiz mentioned that LKIM has channelled RM214,000 in assistance to empower the socio-economic and infrastructure development of the fishing community in Kemaman. The allocation includes RM124,000 for housing assistance for B40 fishermen, RM50,000 for repairs and upgrades to the Fishermen's Women's Group (KUNITA) building, and RM40,000 for the construction of steps at the Kemaman LKIM Complex Fuel Sales Jetty.
He also noted that the government allocated RM10 million this year to implement the Special Fishermen's Housing Project (PKPN), involving the construction of 36 new houses and the repair of 344 fishermen's homes nationwide. "The house repair assistance caps funding at a maximum of RM20,000 per unit, while new house construction is capped at RM84,000," Muhammad Faiz said. The assistance aims to ensure fishing communities enjoy safer, more comfortable living conditions and serves as an incentive for them to continue their livelihoods at sea.