Kuala lumpur: The National Fishermen's Association (NEKMAT) recorded a profit of more than RM25 million in 2025, compared with RM11 million in 2024, reflecting more than a twofold increase attributed to efficient management and its commitment to strengthening the national fisheries sector. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the profit had also been consistently channelled into welfare and education funds for fishermen, demonstrating NEKMAT's ability to generate returns that benefit the fishing community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this marks a significant achievement for NEKMAT, as the profits reflect the efficiency of its management and its commitment to advancing the country's fisheries sector. This statement was made by Mohamad Sabu while officiating the 41st NEKMAT Annual General Meeting. The event also saw the presence of Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, NEKMAT board chairman Abdul Hamid Bahari, and Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) chairman Mohd Faiz Fadzil.
Mohamad highlighted that NEKMAT's top management recently presented proposals for projects and development programmes for fishermen's associations nationwide, involving substantial allocations. These proposals are planned to be brought to the Finance Ministry for discussions related to Budget 2027 and will be prioritized by KPKM.
During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was exchanged between NEKMAT and Green Borneo Eco Land Sdn Bhd. This was followed by the presentation of contributions to the Malaysian Fishermen's Foundation (YANEM), further emphasizing the association's role in supporting the fishing community.
Abdul Hamid stated that the higher profit this year has allowed NEKMAT to increase its dividend distribution to State Fishermen's Associations (PNK) to 15 per cent, up from nine per cent last year. The improved financial performance was driven by the expansion of NEKMAT's business activities, including wholesale and retail diesel sales, ice production, shrimp farming, transportation, marketing, and fishermen's housing development.
Moreover, NEKMAT's collaboration with the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has led to a new protection scheme for fishermen, which now offers a government subsidy. Fishermen are required to pay only RM70 a year, a reduction from the actual contribution rate of RM231.20. The scheme, introduced this month, has no age limit and provides benefits such as RM3,000 in death compensation.