Traders Should Not Take Advantage Of Rising Diesel Costs To Increase Fish Prices - LKIM

MERSING, April 1 (Bernama) -- Traders are reminded not to take advantage of the situation by raising fish prices under the pretext of increased diesel costs due to the global energy crisis, when the supply of marine products in the country remains sufficient and stable, and subsidies for fishermen are still being provided.

Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said that this type of action was inappropriate, considering that the government maintains diesel and petrol subsidies for the majority of fishermen in Zones A, B and C.

He said this matter does not jeopardise fishermen's activities to go out to sea, especially during the current abundant fishing season, thus rejecting the claim that fish catches are declining.

"The increase in diesel prices has an impact on those involved with Zone C2. We have four zones, namely Zone A and B (coastal fishermen), and C and C2 (deep sea). And the targeting of subsidies to help those who are unable or less able.

"We believe that the groups that should be assisted are Zones A, B and C. Zone C2 is a group (fishermen) who are indeed capable. However, with the soaring increase in diesel prices, we are currently examining the best way to adjust the diesel subsidy for Zone C2," he said.

He said this to Bernama after attending the MADANI LKIM Chairman's Friendly Gathering with the Mersing Area Fishermen's Association (PNK) at the LKIM Complex here today.

According to him, fishermen also receive various forms of government support, including a living allowance, fuel subsidies and fishing equipment, in addition to an allocation of RM3 million for 'touchpoint' assistance distributed fairly to fishermen across the country.

He said that the assistance aims to encourage fishermen to continue going out to sea to ensure the country's fish supply remains sufficient in the market, despite facing challenges.

At the programme, Muhammad Faiz also delivered touchpoint assistance in the form of engines and fishing equipment, as well as a donation of RM100,000 for the agro-tourism project and RM26,125 for the B40 Fishermen Productivity Enhancement Programme to the selected recipients.

Meanwhile, he also inspected the Mersing slipway site to assess the maintenance and upgrading needs of the infrastructure supporting local fishing activities, which require a total allocation of RM1.5 million.

-- BERNAMA