SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: The Selangor State Government has provided fishermen with various initiatives, like boats and fishing equipment, to increase the fishermen’s income in this state.
Agricultural Modernisation, Natural Resources Management and Entrepreneurial Development Exco, Yaakob Sapari said that in 2012, the State Government had allocated the Department Of Fisheries Malaysia a total of RM300,000 to help fishermen in Selangor.
He said that they had provided fiberglass fishing boats (sampans), engines and fishing nets.
“Through the provision of funds by the (Selangor) State Government; that had given various equipment and fishing apparatus, we hope that the catch will be increased,” the Kota Anggerik assemblyman said.
Yaakob said this when answering Dr Shafie Abu Bakar’s (Pas-Bangi) question during the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting today.
Up till now, there are 7,655 fishermen in Selangor located in six districts; Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Klang, Kuala Langat and Sepang.
Their average income is around RM1,000 to RM1,500.
Meanwhile, the Selangor Zakat Board (Lembaga Zakat Selangor) has provided an assistance program to supply fishing equipment to fishermen in the state.
In the meantime, Yakoob said, assistance programs to upgrade fish landing jetties is being carried out by the Local Authorities (PBT), Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) and the Department Of Fisheries Malaysia.