Kota Kinabalu: Fuel supply disruptions must not hamper the operations of Sabah fishermen entitled to subsidised diesel, said Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
He said Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Director-General Dato’ Dr Haji Abdul Salim bin Haji Tajudin had directed Area Fishermen’s Associations (PNK) to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies throughout Sabah.
“Such disruptions should not occur to the extent that they affect the operations of fishermen eligible for subsidies. Subsidy facilities provided by the Government must reach the intended recipients,” he said.
Chan, who is also Kota Kinabalu MP, chaired an Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) engagement session involving six Sabah fishing vessel and fisheries associations at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
Fuel supply interruptions were among the concerns raised, alongside operational constraints, restrictions on appointing vessel owners’ representatives, licence renewal problems and delays in issuing related documents.
Organised by LKIM, the session also addressed issues raised in a letter submitted to the Ministry in August.
Chan said existing work processes needed to be reviewed, expedited and better coordinated to allow fishing operators to conduct their business smoothly while meeting regulatory requirements.
“The Ministry needs to strike a balance between vessel owners’ daily operational needs and effective controls to ensure transparency, prevent leakage and safeguard the responsible use of subsidies.
“Effective subsidy management is not merely about preventing leakage, but also ensuring eligible fishermen continue to have access to the facilities they need to carry out their operations,” he said.
According to Chan, the Government, through Budget 2027, was continuing the provision of subsidised diesel at RM1.65 per litre for eligible fishermen and vessel owners.
He said 10,126 vessel owners nationwide currently benefit from the facility through 151 subsidised diesel sales centres.
“This substantial subsidy allocation must be managed responsibly so its benefits truly reach the intended recipients and are not misused,” he said.
Chan said the engagement reflected the Government’s commitment to maintaining open and continuous communication with industry players and finding comprehensive, mutually beneficial solutions.
“Fishermen’s welfare must be protected, industry issues must be taken seriously, and every control mechanism must be implemented fairly, efficiently and effectively.
“KPKM will continue strengthening cooperation with associations and industry players to ensure the fisheries sector remains sustainable and competitive,” he said.
The six participating bodies were the Kota Kinabalu Fishing Vessel Owners Association, Sabah Federation of Fisheries and Fishing Vessel Associations, Sandakan Tong Kang Fisheries Association, Sandakan Fisheries Association, Kudat Fishing Vessel Owners Association and Tawau Fisheries Association.
Also present were LKIM Community Development and Fishermen’s Organisations Division Director Norfajarwati Baharudin and Sabah LKIM Director Mohd Jamil @ Jomiun Abdullah.
