Budget 2025: Zone C2 Deep-Sea Fishermen Hope For Fuel Subsidies

KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Fishermen’s Association (Penentu) is hopeful that the government will consider granting diesel and petrol subsidies to Zone C2 (Deep Sea Fishing) fishermen, who significantly contribute to the state’s fish catch.

Penentu chairman Mat Yassim Mohamed said that currently the group was currently paying RM3.15 to RM3.20 per litre for diesel and expressed hope that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would announce good news during the Budget 2025 presentation on Oct 18.

“This (C2) group is the biggest contributor to the state’s fish catch, accounting for about 50 per cent, while the remaining catch comes from Zones A, B, and C fishermen.

“If the government can provide subsidies to them so they only have to pay RM2.50 per litre, that would be enough,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Zone C2 boat operators are not eligible for subsidised diesel because they are categorised as commercial fishing boats, forcing them to buy diesel at market prices.

Mat Yassim assured the government that cooperation between the Department of Fisheries (DoF) and the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), which is responsible for monitoring the fishermen’s catch, would prevent irregularities that occurred during previous subsidy provisions.

The monitoring was conducted by comparing the amount of catch brought back with the fuel quota allocated, he said.

“Previously, they received a subsidy quota of 25,000 litres of diesel. However, when the catch was below one ton or the fish quality was low, this subsidy was abolished. But now, these C2 fishermen are local fishermen who are truly working hard,” he said.

In the meantime, Mat Yassim said that a total of 6,060 fishermen registered with Penentu hoped the existing subsidy of RM1.65 per litre for fishermen in zone A, B and C would continue.

He also expressed hope that the government would maintain the subsistence allowance of RM300 per month to fishermen as financial support for their survival.

-- BERNAMA