LKIM Allocates RM1.8 Million To Support 628 Fishermen Nationwide

BACHOK, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) has allocated RM1.8 million this year to assist 628 fishermen nationwide through the Disaster Relief and Fishermen Welfare Scheme.

Its chairman, Muhammad Faiz Fadzil, said the aid covers repairs to homes and fishing boats damaged by natural disasters such as floods and storms.

“This year, we received an allocation of RM2 million, with the majority dedicated to fishermen affected by floods in the East Coast states. The scheme provides a maximum assistance of RM10,000, depending on the extent of the damage. If the damage exceeds this limit, LKIM will request additional aid from the government through other schemes,” he told reporters during the Madani Anak Nelayan Kembali Ke Sekolah programme here today.

He added that the initiative aims to ease the burden on fishermen while supporting LKIM’s efforts to ensure the welfare of the fishing community and maintain food security.

Earlier, Muhammad Faiz presented RM8,600 worth of school supplies to 100 children of fishermen in Bachok, including school bags, caps, and water bottles, as well as RM50 vouchers each.

Meanwhile, commenting on the fish supply during the northeast monsoon, he assured that there is sufficient supply for consumers, with LKIM's stock of 300 tonnes and 1,600 tonnes from private companies.

“We encourage the public to diversify their protein sources during the monsoon season to reduce dependency on seafood. We also aim to educate consumers on purchasing fish according to breeding seasons to avoid high prices,” he said.

-- BERNAMA