Over 80 Illegal Pump Boats Affecting Labuan Fishermen’s Livelihood, Says Suhaili

LABUAN, April 28 (Bernama) -- More than 80 pump boats operating illegally along Labuan’s shoreline are affecting the daily income and livelihood of local fishermen, said Labuan Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman.

Suhaili, who is also North Labuan Area Fishermen’s Association chairman, said he had conducted visits to several areas around Labuan waters and personally witnessed the presence of pump boats operating along the shorelines.

He said the boat operators were believed to be from the Filipino Refugee Community Settlement Scheme in Kiamsam.

“I have contacted the Labuan Fisheries Department and the Labuan National Security Council for clarification on the presence of these pump boats, but it has not been confirmed whether the boats are licensed or permitted by the two agencies to operate,” he said to Bernama today.

Suhaili said the matter must be addressed seriously as the activities of the pump boats had caused concern among local fishermen, who depend heavily on coastal fishing activities for their daily income.

He said the presence of trawlers operating less than three nautical miles from the shoreline had also worsened the situation for local fishermen.

“The trawlers have damaged the seabed and fish traps, or bubu ikan, and this was proven through evidence shown during my visit with local fishermen to several areas in Labuan waters.

“These activities are clearly affecting the livelihood of local fishermen,” he said.

Suhaili also said that the lack of effective monitoring by relevant agencies had led to the illegal activities becoming rampant.

He urged the authorities to take immediate enforcement action to protect the interest of local fishermen and ensure that fishing activities in Labuan waters are conducted in accordance with existing regulations.

-- BERNAMA