Fishing Curbs Squeeze Papar Fishermen, Appeal For Discretion

PAPAR, April 4 (Bernama) -- Coastal fishermen in Papar are appealing to the government and relevant agencies to exercise discretion to allow them to continue fishing in the Pulau Tiga National Park waters.

Papar Fishermen’s Association chairman Kamis Jat said the appeal follows the gazettement of the area, which has reduced fishing zones and affected about 340 members.

“The gazetted waters, estimated at about 119 square kilometres, have significantly restricted coastal fishermen’s fishing grounds,” he told Bernama.

He said although the area was gazetted in 1982, fishermen were previously given some leeway to operate, but enforcement has tightened in recent years.

Kamis said the situation has exposed fishermen to enforcement action, including fines of up to RM10,000, while also affecting their daily income.

He added that some fishermen also use the area as temporary shelter during adverse weather conditions, including strong winds.

Kamis said shifting to deep-sea fishing is not a simple solution due to geographical constraints, including the shallow Kuala Papar estuary, which makes it difficult for larger boats to operate.

Meanwhile, Sabah Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) director Mohd Jamil Abdullah said a holistic, multi-agency approach is needed to assist affected fishermen.

He said the gazettement has impacted fishermen’s income as they can no longer fish in the area, while small boats limit their ability to venture further offshore.

Pantai Manis assemblyman Datuk Pangiran Saifuddin Pangiran Tahir said enforcement should take into account the circumstances of fishermen, especially when they seek shelter during rough seas.

“Papar’s coastal fishermen are not involved in destructive activities such as fish bombing. They use traditional methods, so enforcement should be targeted at those who engage in such practices,” he said.

He also encouraged fishermen to explore downstream activities such as seafood processing and aquaculture to boost income and reduce reliance on natural marine resources.

-- BERNAMA