HAWARIYYUN-ETIQA COOPERATION HELPS EMPOWER ASNAF FISHERMEN IN SABAH

TAWAU, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- The strategic collaboration between the Hawariyyun Welfare Organisation and Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad through the Etiqa asnaf (tithe recipient) fishermen modernisation programme is helping to widen the economic net for the fishing community who are in the hardcore poor and poorest groups of Sabah.

Head of Strategic Planning and Development Division at Koperasi Kemajuan Perikanan dan Nelayan Sabah (Ko-Nelayan), Salleh Obong said that currently there were 3,096 asnaf fishermen recorded in Sabah who needed assistance to break free from the poverty trap.

“I am delighted that Etiqa has taken the initiative to sponsor a digital application transformation course for fishermen, with Hawariyyun as the organiser of this programme which includes exposure to the use of digital technology (e-smart) to improve the economy of asnaf fishermen.

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“Among the fishing districts with the largest number of people in the eKasih data are Pitas and Semporna, (hence) the focus of Ko-Nelayan is to help these asnaf fishermen get out of the poverty line,” he said after the closing ceremony of the Etiqa asnaf fishermen modernisation programme here today.

Sixty asnaf fishermen from Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu participated in the programme organised by the Hawariyyun Welfare Organisation, with Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad donating RM250,000 for fishing equipment through its corporate social responsibility initiative.

Meanwhile, Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad chief executive officer Zafri Ab Halim said as an insurance and Takaful operator company, Etiqa strived to empower the less fortunate, including fishermen.

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“This Etiqa asnaf fishermen modernisation programme is proof of our concern in improving the lives of rural fishermen by providing them with the equipment, knowledge and technology they need, so we hope this programme will improve the economy of asnaf fishermen,” he said.

For the chairman of the Hawariyyun Welfare Organisation, Al-Ikhwan Rahmatullah, the collaboration with Etiqa proved the alignment of the organisation's vision in empowering the asnaf fishing community in Sabah.

“By providing resources, training and technological assistance, we aim to open sustainable income opportunities for asnaf fishermen,” he said.

In addition, he said the programme encouraged fishermen to modernise fishing methods and in the long run create a positive impact on their lives.

Meanwhile, a fisherman from Kunak, Azlan Iskandar, 30, rated the programme as highly beneficial in that participants were exposed to various information including the use of digital technology for a more bountiful catch.

He cited the use of e-smart technology, which was an application that provided fishing locations based on satellite data, making for more efficient fishing.

“I have been using this e-smart tech since November last year, which makes it easier for fishermen to plan and target fish shoals according to the points shown in the app. Fishermen like myself have uncertain incomes. I fish anchovies, and before, I used to haul in about 100 kilogrammes (kg) of anchovies a day, but by using e-smart tech, my catch of anchovies has gone up to 300 to 400 kg a day,” he disclosed.

-- BERNAMA