BINTULU: Fishermen in the state will be further assisted in various aspects based on their current needs to ensure their welfare is being taken care of, said Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip.

He said though they may be small in numbers, the fishermen deserved assistance because they are the most important contributors of a protein source in this country and be given appropriate help, in terms of fishing equipment and other schemes.

“Here, we can see the government is very concerned with the plight of the fishermen who are willing to take the high risk of going out to sea,” said the Jepak assemblyman when speaking at the appointment of the Fisheries Community Council chief (KKP) for 2013-2016 session and touch point 2013 project presentation to the Department of Marine Fisheries at a hotel here yesterday.

He said under the Barisan Nasional (BN) government, the needs and demands of the people are met and an apt example being fishermen who always get assistance from the government to ease their burden.

Fishermen also get advanced fishing technologies to improve their catch.

In the past,Talib said, a job as a fisherman meant an average low monthly income which is also volatile when compared to other professions, but now, the income is much better with fishermen’s associations established to secure the members’ welfare.

He advised fishermen in the state, especially those appointed to be the KKP, to carry out their work with full commitment and assist needy members and reinforcing the fishing community in their respective areas.

“I advise all fishery communities in the state to liaise with their KKPs to resolve any problems or issues affecting the fishing industry,” he said.

He said KKP will extend the outstanding issues to the relevant government agencies to seek solutions and it is also important not to let the issues be exploited by irresponsible quarters.

During the event, Talib presented the certificate of appointment to 23 newly-appointed KKPs, comprising 12 from Miri and 11 from Bintulu.

A total of 46 fishermen received touch point assistance consisting of a life jacket each for 35 of them and an insulated fish box for the rest.

Bintulu Resident Muhamad Yakup Kari and Sarawak Marine Fisheries Department director Azlisha Abdul Aziz were among those present. #myvote13 #ge13

(Source : Borneo Post Online , 30 April 2013)