SANDAKAN: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has approved an additional allocation of 800,000 litres of subsidised diesel for activities in Sandakan.
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the additional allocation is a temporary measure.
“The Ministry has taken interim steps by approving an additional allocation of 800,000 litres, including redistribution from non-operational jetties. “If the allocation is not used within six months of approval, it will be reviewed in the next distribution meeting to avoid disruptions to fishing operations in the area,” he said.
He said this in response to a question from Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong during the Special Chambers session of the Dewan Rakyat, Tuesday.
Earlier, Vivian said fishermen in Sandakan had been allocated about 2.7 million litres of subsidised diesel monthly. However, since July last year, 400,000 litres were reportedly cut and reallocated to two new jetties, which have yet to become operational.
Vivian also raised questions regarding the implementation of the Sandakan Fish Landing Complex project.
Joseph said the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority is currently conducting a site suitability study, Social Impact Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing the project at the proposed location.
“The project proposal will be planned based on the completed studies and will be submitted for consideration under the 13th Malaysia Plan,” he said.
For the record, the Fish Landing Complex was announced to be built in Bandar Leila in 2020.
The project spans 20 acres, covering both land and sea areas, and will include facilities such as cold rooms, an ice factory, boat landing areas and a subsidised diesel sales centre.