Haze Not Affecting Fishermen's Activities, But LKIM Advises To Prioritise Safety

SUNGAI PETANI, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Fishing activities at sea have not been affected by the haze; however, fishermen in areas experiencing reduced visibility have been advised to postpone these activities temporarily for safety reasons.

Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Salim Tajudin said the haze situation in the northern region of the country is still under control compared to the impaired visibility experienced in the southern region.

"So far, there are no more issues regarding the supply of fish, which is still available in all stores. My only advice is for fishermen, especially in the southern region, to be more cautious when engaging in activities at sea," he said.

He said this when met today after visiting a fisherman whose house was destroyed in a recent fire in Kampung Pulau Sayak, Kota Kuala Muda, near here.

Abdul Salim said that fishermen also need to prioritise safety and ensure that life jackets and other safety equipment are brought along and used when at sea.

Earlier, he provided an initial assistance of RM1,000 along with essential items to fisherman Azizan Mohd Soleh, 60, whose house and workshop were affected by a fire on Monday.

Abdul Salim said the aid was channelled through the Natural Disaster Relief and Fishermen’s Welfare Scheme, adding that follow-up assistance of up to RM10,000 will be considered in the LKIM committee meeting.

He said the fisherman, who had been a Kuala Muda Area Fishermen's Association member for over 20 years, is eligible to receive the benefits.

In the incident around 10.50 pm on Monday, Azizan's workshop, along with a car belonging to his son, 11 motorcycles, and five boat engines belonging to customers, were destroyed in the fire.

According to Azizan, the fire is believed to have been caused by a short circuit, causing losses exceeding RM300,000.

"I have been operating this workshop for over 10 years. I started with repairing fishing boat engines, but the business expanded to a motorcycle repair workshop managed by one of my children. Everything has been destroyed..." he lamented.

Azizan, however, expressed his gratitude to LKIM for providing him with assistance to lighten his burden.

– BERNAMA