The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia confirms diesel supply is stable and subsidies remain in place, with no reported shortages affecting the fishing community
GEORGE TOWN: The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) has assured that the supply of diesel to fishermen nationwide remains stable. Government subsidies are also being maintained to support the continuity of the fisheries sector.
LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil stated that fishermen have not experienced any diesel shortages so far. He confirmed the government’s subsidy mechanism is still in place.
“There has been no disruption in supply, with diesel available and the subsidy maintained as before,” he said. He added that the only concerns raised are requests for additional quotas, which are still under review.
He noted these requests involve extra government costs. The government spends hundreds of millions of ringgit annually on fuel subsidies for fishermen.
Subsidised diesel and petrol prices remain well below retail rates at petrol stations. Muhammad Faiz made these comments at the Penang Amanah Open House in Teluk Kumbar.
He was responding to complaints from fishermen about alleged supply disruptions. Some fishermen had claimed they were unable to go to sea, causing a shortage of fish.
Approximately 70 million litres of diesel are allocated each month. This supply is for more than 40,000 fishing vessels nationwide across zones A, B, and C.
Muhammad Faiz clarified that the subsidy assistance aims to help the target group. It is not intended to cover the entire operating costs of fishermen.
Diesel is purchased at a subsidised rate of around RM1.65 per litre. This is significantly below the current market price.
“Fishermen who use petrol are also entitled to about 50 litres per day at a subsidised rate of RM1.56 per litre,” he said. Commenting on fish prices, he said the country’s current supply of marine products is sufficient.
He stated the supply has not been affected, particularly as Malaysia is in the peak fishing season. Malaysia records a fish self-sufficiency rate of around 90%.
Only about 10% of the supply is imported to meet domestic demand. Meanwhile, LKIM is exploring methods to improve subsidy distribution.
This includes addressing the needs of fishermen in the Zone C2 category. Fishermen in this category had previously not received subsidies.
