THE shortage of subsidised diesel quota for Sandakan’s fishing communities has been caused by the redirection (of diesel) to two new non-operational jetties, said Sandakan MP Vivian Wong.
Wong said the Sandakan Fishing (Tongkang) Association has reported that fishermen have been forced to cut fishing trips since July due to the reduced fuel supply.
“The quota was cut because fuel is being allocated to two jetties that haven’t started operations.
“Authorities must restore it to the four active jetties,” she said, questioning the fate of the diesel quota for July, August, and September.
The association previously urged the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) to investigate the shortage.
The situation has forced them to slash fishing trips from four per month to one and has affected 426 vessels.
Fishermen rely on subsidised diesel priced at RM1.68 per litre, compared to RM2.15 per litre in the market. – October 4, 2024
