GOVT ALLOCATES RM190 MLN FOR 13 FISHERMEN HOUSING PROJECTS NATIONWIDE

LUMUT, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- The government has allocated RM190 million for 13 Special Housing Projects for Fishermen (PKPN) nationwide, all of which are expected to be fully completed within the next two years.

Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said eight of the projects have already been occupied, while the remaining five are still in progress, covering Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Melaka, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.

“We hope the final five ongoing projects will be completed on schedule,” he told reporters after the Fishermen Resettlement (PSN) Key Handover Ceremony at Teluk Gadung Open Area, Pulau Pangkor, here today.

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Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Perak Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Zolkafly Harun.

Previously, RM24.4 million was allocated in 2014 to build 139 housing units, with 90 units handed over in 2019 and the remaining units presented today.

Separately, Muhammad Faiz denied allegations of LKIM jetties being misused by foreign vessels or private companies in ways that could undermine the income of small-scale fishermen.

He said the jetty in question had instead been leased to a local operator under the Marine Products Processing Project (PPHP) to ensure full utilisation and to benefit local industry players.

“To ensure the jetty is optimally utilised, we lease it to eligible operators and this is also one of our strategies to increase fisheries-based revenue through various approaches,” he said.

On Nov 19, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the jetties are continuously monitored in cooperation with state LKIM offices, Area Fishermen's Associations (PNK) and local authorities to detect and act on complaints, including cases involving private boats or encroachment affecting small operators.

-- BERNAMA