Gov't Studying Aid Options For Zone C2 Deep-Sea Fishing Boat Owners

CHUKAI, March 29 (Bernama) -- The government, through the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM), is studying the best option for disbursing aid to deep-sea fishing boat owners in the Zone C2 category nationwide following the temporary adjustment to the diesel price brought about by the crisis in West Asia.

LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said this group is among the most affected, as they do not enjoy the Diesel Subsidy Scheme, unlike Zone A, B and C fishermen, who receive subsidies at a rate of RM1.65 per litre.

He said the temporary adjustment of diesel prices has raised the operational costs of harvesting marine products, thereby putting pressure on affected fishermen.

"Zone C2 fishermen have to purchase diesel at the industrial price of RM5.52 per litre. They have appealed, and we are looking at the best way to assist them," he told reporters after officiating the Rahmah Mesra Madani Programme with Kemasik Fishermen in Kertih near here today.

At the event, 31 fishermen from the Kemasik Area Fishermen's Association (PNK) received assistance in the form of outboard engines, fishing nets, 100-litre insulation boxes and life jackets.

Muhammad Faiz said there are currently 733 Zone C2 fishing boats operating nationwide, involving 9,598 fishermen.

He said fish landings for Zone C2 category boats amounted to 168,511.8 tonnes per year.

He added that the total number of fishing boats in other categories stood at 41,282 for Zone A; 4,161 for Zone B; and 2,997 for Zone C.

In a separate development, he said the country's fish landings have not been affected despite several states currently facing a heatwave.

-- BERNAMA