Cockle Farming Tol Approvals Must Be Based On Production Levels - Exco

BUKIT GANTANG, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The approval of Temporary Occupation Licences (TOL) for cockle farming in Larut Matang Selama (LMS) and Kerian must be guided by production levels to ensure the aquaculture areas are managed in an organised and productive manner, said Perak Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman (Exco) Datuk Zolkafly Harun.

He said that he is confident that this mechanism will be implemented by the LMS and Kerian District and Land Offices to resolve the issue that has persisted since Jan 27.

“At the state government level, we have requested both district offices to conduct detailed assessments and prioritise those who are genuinely active in cockle farming to be granted valid licences.

“This matter has also been raised at the State Aquaculture Committee meeting previously, and we hope it can be resolved promptly and effectively,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after officiating the Fishermen’s Association Empowerment and Marine Resource Sustainability Programme at the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) jetty in Sungai Kerang, Sungai Tinggi, here today.

On Jan 27, Sungai Tinggi Fishermen’s Association chairman Abu Salim Karim was reported as saying that more than 250 cockle farmers along the Kuala Sepetang (LMS) to Bagan Panchor (Kerian) coastline had urged the state government to intervene over TOL applications that have been pending since the end of 2019.

Abu Salim said without the TOL, the authorities are unable to act against theft activities in their cockle farms, which collectively incur losses of over RM500,000 per month.

Meanwhile, Zolkafly said the state government also plans to expand cockle farming areas in the Bagan Datuk district, covering more than 1,200 hectares by next year.

He said the initiative aims to ensure Perak remains one of the main contributors to the country’s cockle production.

“The development of this area will also involve collaboration among various agencies, including LKIM, to ensure this industry continues to contribute to food production for the state and the nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zolkafly said LKIM has allocated RM850,000 to strengthen and enhance the production efficiency of fishing communities in Perak.

He said the assistance involves various incentives and project developments, including cockle and mud crab farming by local fishermen’s communities.

“A total of RM450,000 was channelled in the form of equipment such as outboard engines, insulated containers, life jackets, safety lights and raincoats for fishermen in the Kerian, Matang and Sungai Tinggi areas.

“The remaining RM406,000 was distributed as zakat contributions and for the development of the Cockle Farming Project by the Perak Fishermen’s Association (PENGGERAK) and the Mud Crab Farming Project by the Sungai Tinggi, Larut Matang Selama Area Fishermen’s Association,” he said.

Zolkafly said the allocation is crucial to ensure sufficient food supply through the fisheries sector in line with the focus on food security under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan. 

-- BERNAMA