KUALA LUMPUR – Faced with a slew of problems and inhibitions, Malaysia’s fishermen are now casting their nets further than just in the sea for some sustained income and stability.
While marine harvests in the seas off Malaysia dwindle, they also face discrimination from society that perceives their profession to be lowly while having to endure long periods when they are unable to venture out for their catch.
They are calling on newly appointed Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu to have the government put in place effective initiatives to improve their lot.
National Fishermen’s Association chairman Abdul Hamid Bahari said the authorities should introduce more programmes that allow fishermen to generate income besides fishing.
He opined that new business programmes can be initiated so that fishermen and their families can improve their livelihood and earnings, especially during monsoon seasons.
“We have to look at it at the level of the family and community. The minister should allocate funds for courses so that when fishermen are unable to go to sea, there are alternative options for us to sustain ourselves,” he told The Vibes.
For example, the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority organised vegetable farming programmes for fishermen during monsoon seasons, as an initiative for them to generate more income.
“It would be nice if we have shrimp or fish farming opportunities on the side, or even home food business courses,” he added.
Besides more opportunities, Hamid also hopes that fishermen are regarded in a better light.
“We must be seen as on par with anyone else because when people hear about fishermen, they have this assumption that we are of a lower class,” he said.
“I hope under the leadership of Mohamad Sabu, the public’s views can be improved. Even now, fishermen know how to seek income and forecast safe fishing days,” he added.
Hamid said that fishermen are generally entitled to schemes under the Social Security Organisation, which gives them aid when they are in troubled waters.
He added that over 40,000 fishermen across Malaysia are given RM300 on a monthly basis with the Fishermen’s Livelihood Allowance, so they are more prepared when facing challenges.
When asked whether the amount is enough to sustain for a month, especially during monsoon seasons, he looked at it in a more positive manner, saying that the fishermen community is being supported by the government.
Many focus on side projects or activities like equipment maintenance when not at sea during monsoon seasons.
Monsoon effects on fishmongers
Meanwhile, fishmongers in Kuala Lumpur lamented the price increase of fish following the reduced numbers of fishermen at sea, stating that it has affected their business productivity.
A fishmonger in Petaling Jaya said his business has been slow, as the reduction in fish quantity leads to items becoming more expensive.
“Not every fisherman can go out to sea now. Only big boats and barges can go into the deep ends, as small boats will be toppled by the winds and thunderstorms,” he said.
“So, whoever has the catches sets the prices high,” he added.
Another fishmonger, Muhammad Hamidi, said the circumstances are similar to a downward spiral, where the meagre amount of products is not sufficient to accommodate the needs of Kuala Lumpur’s residents, resulting in a price rise, which affects consumers with lower purchasing power.
He also said the decreased number of boats at sea has led to fishmongers feeling resigned and relying on imports from neighbouring countries. This is so even as local grade-A fish are exported to Singapore.
“We do rely on imports for high-quality fish since the other countries have bigger oceans and ours cannot provide for locals,” he said.
“We can still get fish locally, but the amount is insufficient since smaller boats will not fare well at sea. Our grade-A fish go to Singapore, and we are left with those of lesser quality,” he added. – The Vibes, December 9, 2022
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