MATU, Aug 19: A sum of RM622,000 has been set aside for 311 qualified fishermen from Jemoreng to buy new fishing equipment this year.
The amount is from the total allocation of RM20 million given state-wide for the purpose by the state government.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah announced this when launching the Community Extension Outreach Programme of the state Agriculture Department for the district here on Monday (Aug 17).
He revealed each fisherman would receive RM2,000 and payment is expected to be made beginning this September.
Additionally, Uggah disclosed that 171 coastal fishermen from Jemoreng had benefitted from the ‘landas’ season relief aid.
Aid totalling RM153,900 has been distributed in January to March this year.
“The next payment of RM102,600 will be paid to them again during the next round of the ‘landas’ season from November to December,” he added.
Uggah who is the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development revealed his ministry was now planning income-generating activities which fishermen could undertake during their off-fishing season.
“We plan for them to go into modern farming systems like fertigation and hydroponics. We will organise exhibitions to introduce and promote them here,” he said.
He added that it was the objective of the government to help fishermen and farmers in the state to obtain regular or increase their income.
Also present were Jemoreng assemblyman Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Edwin Abit and Agriculture Department director Dr Alvin Chai. — DayakDaily
