LKIM SUSPENDS DIESEL SUBSIDY, BLACKLISTS 119 FISHING VESSELS AS OF AUGUST - AMIR HAMZAH

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) has taken firm action by suspending diesel subsidy and blacklisting 119 fishing vessels and boats as of August, in an effort to curb leakage.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said that since 2019, the government has limited the subsidised diesel quota for the fishing sector to 70 million litres per month, compared with 80 million litres per month in the previous year.

He said this move enables coastal fishermen, as well as those operating in Zones A, B and C, to benefit from subsidised diesel priced at RM1.65 per litre, helping to offset part of their operating costs.

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“However, deep-sea fishermen operating in Zone C2 are not eligible to receive subsidised diesel, as they are commercial fishermen who generally have stronger financial capacity,” he said.

“It is also part of the government’s efforts to address the issue of diesel leakage, particularly in deep-sea areas,” he said when winding up committee-level debates on the Supply Bill 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

He was responding to a question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), who raised the issue of diesel subsidy leakage.

In addition, Amir Hamzah said the government, through the LKIM, has developed the MyIsytihar application since 2024 as a control measure to ensure that fishermen receiving diesel subsidies declare their catch to LKIM.

In addition, he said various enforcement operations continue to be strengthened through strategic collaboration with enforcement agencies via integrated operations to enhance border control and curb smuggling activities through land and sea routes.

Touching on the impact of targeted diesel subsidy on paddy farmers and smallholders, he said a total of 180,000 farmers, breeders and smallholders have benefited from the BUDI Agri-Komoditi amounting to RM350 million in payments as of Sept 30, 2025.

The assistance includes a contribution of RM200 per month, or RM2,400 per year, for farmers, breeders and smallholders registered with the relevant ministry.

-- BERNAMA