By William Isau
SIBU, Feb 25: The Sarawak Fishing Vessel Association has called on the federal government to revoke its decision to reduce the subsidy for diesel quotas for fishermen, as the decision will significantly impact their livelihoods.
Its chairman, Harry Tan, said the federal government had reduced the subsidy for up to 3,000 litres of diesel per fishing vessel since January this year without prior notification.
“Diesel expenses comprise much of the fishing boat’s operating costs. Therefore, reducing the subsidy means the monthly operating fees will increase, directly impacting the fishermen’s livelihoods.
“As the catch of each fishing trip is uncertain, sometimes, it may not even cover the fuel expenses,” said Tan at a press conference at the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Dudong office today.
The association believes the federal government should communicate with the fishermen’s organisations and understand their needs before adjusting the subsidy.
Tan also said they requested a dialogue with the related ministry, agencies, and departments to address this issue.
Apart from the diesel allowance reduction, the association also raised three other issues, one of them being license transfers.
He explained that the license transfer does not allow maintaining the original type, even if it is passed on from father to son.
“For instance, C7 licenses allowed initially to operate within seven miles of the shore will be converted into C12 once transferred, and C10 licenses must be changed to C30.
“The enforced changes in the license transfer make it impossible for fishing boats to operate in further offshore waters, including raising safety issues,” he added.
He stressed that if fishermen are forced to upgrade their boats, it will incur significant expenses that not all can afford, causing some fishing boats to have no successors. This situation will affect the fishermen and the supply of fish and shrimp in the market, including price fluctuations.
The association hopes the federal fisheries board can cancel the above conditions for license transfers and allow the new owner to use the original license.
Regarding artificial reef balls in Sarawak waters, Tan wants the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to communicate with fishermen organisations or provide them with a location map for the reef ball’s placement.
He said Fishermen have limited knowledge of the artificial reef ball’s locations, and the authorities did not consult them before placing them. As a result, fishing nets may accidentally catch the reef balls, causing significant damage to the nets or even overturning the boats.
The association also faces difficulties using the Hock Ang Road fishing boat wharf.
Although the wharf is available for the association’s members, its management is under Sarawak Rivers Board.
“To improve the management of the wharf and provide sufficient convenience for members, we hope that the Sarawak government can lease the wharf to us for a nominal rent, allowing us to manage the wharf,” he requested.
The association has 271 members with over 300 Class C fishing vessels. — DayakDaily
