SANDAKAN: Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil has proposed that the election for the Area Fishermen’s Association (PNK) chairman position be held every three years, compared to the current two-year cycle.
He said this is to ensure strategic plans laid out by chairmen and boards of directors for their respective PNKs can be successfully implemented over a longer timeframe.
This, in turn, would provide a more significant impact on members through structured economic planning and the advancement of designated fishery projects.
“The PNK is not like a political party; it is mobilised to uplift the economy of the fishermen under its wing. Therefore, a three-year term for the election of a PNK chairman is deemed appropriate so that any planning can be executed as effectively as possible,” he said.
Regarding the procedure for changing the election period, he said if it involves the Cabinet, it will be discussed at that level.
However, if it only pertains to the PNK constitution, an extraordinary general meeting would need to be convened to discuss the amendment of the chairman’s tenure.
He spoke during a press conference immediately after the Majlis Rahmah Madani Ramadan with PNK fishermen at Elopura Hotel, here. Tuesday.
At the event, he also presented welfare assistance to 40 fishermen affected by disasters and misfortunes to help alleviate their burdens.
During the ceremony, one recipient received an outboard motor while 40 others received fishing equipment, bringing the total number of recipients to 41, with the aid valued at approximately RM48,000.
Also present were Sabah LKIM Director Mohd Jamil Abdullah, Sandakan PNK Chairman Asmaul Gindong, Region II Officer Khatdijah Hairya Latif and the celebrated fishermen.
Meanwhile, Faiz dared the 16 PNKs in Sabah to be bold in venturing into business and creating economic sectors that impact local fishermen, rather than solely relying on sea catches and selling to middlemen.
Among these are downstream aquaculture sectors and economic activities capable of providing higher returns to fishermen.
Regarding current issues involving global oil supplies, he said for now, fuel subsidies are still being provided to fishermen according to established zonal categories and have not reached a stage where they would be discontinued.
“LKIM is constantly striving to ensure the welfare of fishermen is maintained,” he said.
At the same time, he urged fishermen to increase their catches to ensure supplies remain sufficient at all times.
He said the Madani Government continues to support fishermen through subsidies and welfare assistance, including the repair and construction of new homes.
Sabah remains one of the largest recipients of diesel subsidies for fishermen, with a substantial allocated quota.
