KPKM TARGETS 100 DEEP-SEA SKIPPERS EACH YEAR

KUALA NERUS, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) aims to produce 100 deep-sea skippers annually to address the acute shortage of skilled manpower in the country’s fisheries industry.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the target reflects the urgent need for local deep-sea skippers.

“This is important because nearly all deep-sea skippers previously relied on workers from countries such as Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. Now, we are starting to produce local skippers.

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“I saw strong interest among the youths who attended earlier to become deep-sea skippers. So far, 33 have completed the course and graduated. We are targeting 100 a year as the current shortage of deep-sea skippers is critical,” he told reporters after the AgroMADANI outreach programme and breaking of fast with North Kuala Terengganu fishermen today.

He added that the six-month training programme targets those under 40, in line with efforts to attract more youths into the sector.

Mohamad also said deep-sea fishing trips usually last between three days and two weeks but can yield large, high-value catches.

“One of our main focuses moving forward is tuna. Penang will be the landing hub, and from there we will expand into downstream processing. Tuna can bring high earnings for fishermen, businesses, and the country,” he said.

Asked about chicken prices ahead of the festive season, he said there have been no reports of any sharp rises so far.

“If prices surge anywhere, let us know. InsyaAllah, together with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and other relevant agencies, we will keep working to find the best way to manage it.

“So far, there have been no reports of sharp price hikes. Some areas experience small fluctuations, but there are no chicken shortages,” he added.

-- BERNAMA