BANDAR PERMAISURI, June 30 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) has allocated RM2 million since last year to repair, upgrade and construct new fish landing jetties nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen fisheries infrastructure and improve fishermen’s livelihoods.
LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said that for this year alone, the agency has completed the construction of a new fish landing jetty in Merang, while two additional projects in Perak and Labuan are currently in the documentation and tender procurement stages.
“However, the allocation currently available remains limited. Therefore, LKIM hopes the government will consider providing additional funding in next year’s budget so that more jetty facilities can be developed across the country,” he said after officiating the handover ceremony of the Kampung Merang Fish Landing Jetty here today.
Muhammad Faiz said LKIM currently manages 372 fish landing jetties nationwide, in addition to 48 fisheries complexes and ports, reflecting its continued commitment to enhancing the country’s fisheries infrastructure and supporting income growth among fishing communities.
Meanwhile, he said the Kampung Merang Fish Landing Jetty, built at a cost of RM500,000, officially began operations today and is expected to benefit 124 fishermen operating 68 boats.
According to him, the new concrete structure replaces the previous jetty, which had been built by villagers and was no longer suitable or safe for fish landing activities.
“Current records show that total fish landings in Setiu stand at about 243 metric tonnes annually, and LKIM is confident this figure will increase once the new facility is fully utilised,” he said.
He added that improved landing infrastructure would make it easier for fishermen to market their catch and ultimately help raise their income.
“Fishermen depend on their catch for their livelihood. With better landing facilities, the process of selling their catch becomes more efficient and can contribute to higher earnings,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
