KUALA NERUS, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), has allocated RM9 million to upgrade and improve the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) slipway in Pengkalan Arang, Kuala Terengganu.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the high-impact project, under the LKIM Strategic Plan 2026-2030, is aimed at transforming the national fisheries ecosystem and will support fishing vessels with a maximum Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 200.
"For a start, RM500,000 has been allocated this year for preliminary works, including site investigations, topographical surveys, and bathymetry.
"Shipyards or slipways are the heart of fishing operations. When a boat breaks down, a fisherman's livelihood is essentially halted. With more modern and efficient facilities, maintenance periods can be shortened, ensuring a continuous national protein supply and guaranteeing that fishermen's incomes are not affected," he said.
He was speaking at the Sentuhan AgroMADANI and Iftar ceremony with North Kuala Terengganu Fishermen here today.
Mohamad added that the upgraded slipway would also serve as a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) platform to produce local experts in boat maintenance, welding, and shipping technology.
Beyond infrastructure, he said, KPKM through LKIM is also prioritising welfare through the Fishermen's Special Housing Project (PKPN) for 2026.
"An allocation of RM896,000 for Terengganu involves the repair of 28 housing units and the construction of four new units to ensure fishermen's families have comfortable and safe homes," he said.
Furthermore, Productivity Touchpoint assistance, involving the handover of in-kind fishing equipment worth up to RM15,000 per person with a total value of RM225,000, was provided to Terengganu fishermen.
He added that RM50,000 has been allocated to support the Women Fishermen’s Group (KUNITA) and the Fishery Youth Group (KUBENA) in enhancing their competitiveness in downstream economic activities.
At the ceremony, Mohamad also presented the National Fishermen's Association (NEKMAT) Zakat Wakalah and Skipper Training Certificates to participants of the LKIM Terengganu Local Skipper Development and Search Programme (PPTT).
-- BERNAMA
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