LABUAN: Eighty small-time coastal fishermen here had reasons to smile because the traditional fish traps distributed free by the Madani government has shown signs of better catch and improved their livelihood.
Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman who last week handed 400 traps to 80 fishermen, with each getting five, said: “This method of catching fish was less laborious but more rewarding with a haul of around five or more kilogramme of assorted species of fish.”He pointed out that since the fishing grounds of coastal fishermen were limited to 3km from shore and fish was scarce, the new traps enabled them to venture further out from the line and drop the traps at spots only known to them.
“Without having to be present, they just need to return to the spots and drag up the traps after five days,” said Suhaili.
He said the initiative was a “double win” because there was a better supply of fresh fish in the local market and prices remain steady for consumers.
The programme is supported by the National Fisheries Development Authority.
Suhaili, who is the Chairman of the Labuan Fisherman Association, said the Government provided all sorts of aids to fishermen but the effect was temporary.
He thought of the idea of fish traps and presented it to the PM and was glad it was approved.