Fishermen’s Associations Record Commendable Performance In Economic Activities - LKIM

CHUKAI, April 28 (Bernama) -- A majority of the 106 Area Fishermen’s Associations (PNK) nationwide have demonstrated commendable performance through economic activities, successfully increasing members’ income while strengthening the national fisheries supply chain.

Chairman of Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said these PNKs have the potential to serve as economic drivers for fishermen in their respective areas through viable and high-impact business activities, thereby boosting the income of fishing communities and stimulating local economic development.

At the same time, he said that the government provides various forms of assistance through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), LKIM, and related agencies, including business capital financing to strengthen the operational capacity and competitiveness of these associations.

“LKIM is pleased that most PNKs have recorded encouraging performance in implementing economic activities, as demonstrated by PNK Kijal, which operates a saltwater fishing pond,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after attending the Agro MADANI Sales and an engagement session with recipients of the special boat licences at the Kijal Saltwater Fishing Pond near here today.

At the event, Muhammad Faiz also presented an additional allocation of RM300,000 to PNK Kijal to enhance the productivity of its fishing pond project.

He added that every business undertaken by PNK must be managed properly and consistently to ensure operational sustainability and sustainable returns, thereby enabling the generation of higher profits.

He also said that a total of 436 special boat licences have been issued to fishermen in Terengganu this year as part of efforts to expand access to assistance.

“However, recipients of the licences must comply with several conditions set, including the requirement to go out to sea for at least 120 days a year to qualify for government subsidies and incentives,” he said.

-- BERNAMA