REGISTERED fishermen in Penang continue to receive support from the Penang government in the form of fishing net supplies.
Permatang Damar Laut fisherman Rossli Yusoff, 64, said he has been receiving aid from the state at least six times over the years.
“I am thankful for the aid provided by the Penang government. A fishing net is an important tool to catch fish, and normally, one can last for about three months before it is damaged.
“The kind gesture by the state government helps to alleviate the financial burden of fishermen as the cost of fishing nets has also increased,” the fisherman unit chief told Buletin Mutiara at Politeknik Balik Pulau on April 17, after receiving one-off RM400 cash aid from the Penang government to buy fishing nets.
Rossli said he could buy eight pieces of fishing nets, each about 23 fathoms, with the RM400 cash aid.
He was among 1,134 fishermen in the southwest district, registered with the Penang Fisheries Department, to receive the assistance this year.
The Penang government has allocated RM453,600 for the fishermen in the southwest district.
It is learnt that following the requests by the fishermen’s associations and units, one-off RM400 cash aid was given to each of the fishermen instead of fishing nets.
The distribution of aid was managed by the respective District and Land Offices.
Fishermen in the other four districts also profited from the programme. There were 940 registered fishermen in south Seberang Perai, 312 in central Seberang Perai, 835 in north Seberang Perai, and 816 in the northeast district.
In total, the Penang government allocated RM1,614,800 for the programme, benefitting 4,037 registered fishermen in the state.
Penang Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin said there were many programmes and grants available to help fishermen, farmers, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Those who wish to be an entrepreneur to increase their earnings can approach the Penang government for grants.
Also present were state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade, and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz, Pulau Betong assemblyman Mohd Tuah Ismail and southwest district officer Mohd Hafiz Aswad Nadzri.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting