TAWAU: Kalabakan Member of Parliament, Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, called for the swift approval of the establishment of the Kalabakan Area Fishermen’s Association (PNK) to ensure that aid can be distributed more systematically and comprehensively.
He said he had been informed that the PNK Kalabakan is expected to be established in June this year, following approval at the PNK Tawau meeting on March 26.
“I urge all relevant parties to work together to ensure that this process runs smoothly according to schedule,” he said.
According to him, the association will serve as an essential platform to safeguard the welfare of fishermen and ensure their wellbeing is continuously protected.
He said this after receiving a courtesy visit from the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Sabah management at the Kalabakan MP’s Office, recently.
The delegation, led by LKIM Sabah Director Mohd Jamil Abdullah, aimed to discuss the latest developments and the status of the application for the establishment of PNK Kalabakan.
“Among the key issues discussed was the final upgrading process of fishermen’s jetties in the Kalabakan parliamentary constituency, which is hoped to accelerate infrastructure improvements for the fishing community,” he said.
He added that Mohd Jamil also provided updates on the aid that has already been distributed and is currently being channelled to fishermen in the area.
During the same programme, LKIM Sabah provided assistance to 24 fishermen from several villages, including Kampung Wallace Bay Sebatik, Tanjung Batu, Merotai Besar, Kalabakan, Haji Matahir and other surrounding areas.
The assistance included an icebox and a 100-litre fish container, as well as three fishing nets for each recipient, as part of efforts to support the local fishing community.
Commenting further, Andi, who is also Assistant Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, praised LKIM Sabah’s efforts as a noble initiative that has a significant impact on the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen.
“The aid provided today not only eases their burden but also helps improve their catch and their families’ economic wellbeing,” he said.
He added that this assistance also reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the small-scale fisheries sector is not sidelined, thereby strengthening the economy of fishermen in rural areas such as Kalabakan.
