TIONG URGES AUTHORITIES TO ADDRESS FISHERMEN'S PROTEST OVER MTU

SIBU, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- The government’s decision to mandate the installation of Mobile Tracking Units (MTU) on Class C vessels has drawn significant criticism and dissatisfaction from fishing industry workers.

Two days ago, more than 200 members of the Sarawak Fishing Vessel Association (SFVA) across the state suspended their operations for a week, with its chairman Harry Tan stating that the move was a protest against what they view as unfair treatment and policies imposed by the Fisheries Department.

In a statement today, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, called on the relevant authorities to initiate immediate and effective dialogue with the fishermen to find appropriate solutions and prevent the issue from escalating.

Tiong, who is also the Bintulu member of parliament and Dudong assemblyman said the situation could potentially disrupt Sarawak’s food supply chain and with the Chinese New Year approaching, it would affect the supply of fish. 

“If the authorities do not promptly implement a better solution, there will likely be a shortage of supply, forcing the public to pay higher prices for fish,” he said.

According to Tiong, as of Jan 2, the Fisheries Department will not approve the renewal of licenses for Class C trawlers without satellite trackers, and vessels found operating without them will face enforcement actions.

He stated that fishermen in his constituencies have repeatedly voiced their concerns, emphasising that the measure adds to their financial burden.

“The cost of installing the MTU alone exceeds RM6,000. Then there’s another RM2,000 annually for rental and maintenance,” he explained, saying the fishermen face added challenges adapting to climate change, coping with the increased minimum wage, and enhancing their competitiveness in the market.

He emphasised that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had called for the government to prioritise resolving the fundamental issues faced by the people and had directed the secretaries-general of all ministries to address public concerns personally.

“I sincerely hope that the Director-General of the Fisheries Department and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu will address this issue and resolve it appropriately to ensure fishermen can continue to make a living,” he said.

-- BERNAMA