RM3.2m wave-breaker brings cheer to fishermen
LANGKAWI: The construction of a 100m wave-breaker at the Chenang jetty will bring cheer to the island’s fishing community.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said RM3.2 million had been allocated for construction of the wave-breaker, which would solve the problem of strong wind and high waves.
He also announced an allocation of RM500,000 to build a new jetty in Kuala Teriang, which would benefit 310 fishermen.
“The government, through the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, has applied to the Implementation and Coordination Unit last year to build the wave-breaker, as we saw a need to strengthen the existing structure.
“The government has agreed to approve a RM3.2 million allocation to resolve the issue of strong wind and high waves faced by the local fishing community at the Chenang jetty area.”
He was speaking at an event with the fishermen community at the Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) jetty in Chenang yesterday.
He said the government channelled RM30.5 million to 868 fishermen here, in the form of monthly cost-of-living aid to improve their livelihood.
“LKIM has allocated the same budget this year for Langkawi fishermen who had received the aid. In addition, fishermen here receive a landing incentive of RM0.10 per kg, with RM172,546 paid out last year. RM2.81 million has been allocated since 2013.
“To improve the quality of living of fishermen families, LKIM had, since 2013, approved RM3.87 million for 335 fishermen in Langkawi to either upgrade their homes or build new ones.”
He said the government had allocated RM33.26 million for fishermen facilities, such as fixing houses, the construction of the Kilim fishermen jetty and upgrading the Penarak LKIM Complex, among others.
Najib launched the Village Street Lights Project, carried out by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry in collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Bhd.
He said RM100 million had been allocated for the initiative.
“In Langkawi alone, 537 street lights were installed in villages last May and completed by Oct 27 the same year.
“This has benefited some 53,500 people from 107 villages. Once the 8,086 street lights, costing RM6.12 million, have been erected in village roads in 15 parliamentary districts in Kedah, the state will be lit up with hope and success.”
The event saw the turnout of almost 1,000 fishermen, who received their monthly RM200 aid and essential goods.
Present were Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah and Langkawi member of parliament Datuk Nawawi Ahmad.