MAFS Urges Youths To Join Fisheries Sector As Modern Fishermen

KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) is encouraging the younger generation to explore opportunities in the fisheries sector as modern fishermen.

Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, emphasised that involving young people as modern fishermen is crucial for the sustainability of the national fisheries sector, and the country’s food security.

“The ministry is committed to supporting this vital initiative, aiming to transform the perception of fishing from a 3D job (dirty, dangerous, and difficult) to a respected career which offers substantial employment opportunities and rewarding returns for the youth,” he said.

bootstrap slideshow

"This is crucial to prevent the country's fishing sector from being dominated by foreigners. We are confronted with the challenge of an ageing workforce among fishermen and farmers, not only in our country but globally," he said.

He said this after officiating at the 39th annual general meeting of the National Fishermen's Association (NEKMAT) 2024, held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. It was also attended by the NEKMAT board of directors chairman Abdul Hamid Bahari.

He noted that under the Accredited Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), three institutions offer Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) focused on the fishing industry. They are the Malaysian Agricultural College (KPM) in Kedah, the Sultan Nazrin Shah Fisheries College (KPSN) in Perak, and the Malaysian Fisheries Academy (APM) in Terengganu.

“With a range of facilities, including waived fees, meal allowances, and free accommodation, students also benefit from exposure to cutting-edge technologies. These include fishing boat driving simulators, and Virtual Reality (VR) software designed for fishing activities,” he explained.

Arthur also assured that MAFS is committed to supporting fishermen affected by the Southwest Monsoon phenomenon.

“MAFS will provide aid, from the disaster fund and other resources, to ensure that fishermen can sustain their operations and income during challenging times,” he added.

Earlier, Arthur highlighted that NEKMAT’s financial results for the year ending 2023 showed a commendable net profit, exceeding RM9.32 million.

“NEKMAT’s performance is truly impressive. Congratulations to the chairman and the management team for this achievement. I hope this success will continue to grow, further strengthening the socio-economic status of our fishing communities,” he said.

Arthur emphasised the crucial role fishermen play in the development of the country’s fisheries sector, and the importance of ensuring a stable and sufficient food supply.

He also said that the government will maintain the diesel and petrol subsidy scheme for fishermen this year. The approved subsidised diesel quota stands at 70 million litres, with the subsidy priced at RM1.65 per litre for both diesel and petrol.

Arthur urged fishermen to utilise this subsidy responsibly and transparently, avoiding any resale to unauthorized parties.

In the meantime, NEKMAT general manager Azrin Shah Ismail said that the association wants the government to continue the oil subsidy to ease operating costs.

“At least if the government gives subsistence allowances and oil subsidy incentives, this can help a small part for the fishermen,” he said.

-- BERNAMA