LKIM urged to re-study subsidised diesel quota
KOTA KINABALU: Chairman of the Kota Kinabalu Fishing Boats Owners Association (KKFBOA), Simon Hong, is urging the Malaysia Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) to re-study the subsidised diesel quota.
“KKFBOA proposes that LKIM considers approving the subsidised diesel quota for certain boats based on earlier principal approvals; and based on the main horse engine of the boat,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said that KKFBOA believes the issue is critical and urges LKIM to review this matter in order to strengthen food security (fishing sector) which is often mentioned by the government.
Hong said that on Jan 1, 2023, LKIM had enforced the fixing of the subsidised diesel quota nationwide in Malaysia based on the gross tonnage of a fishing boat.
“Following the enforcement, KKFBOA, which represents about 200 fishing boat owners, has voiced its objection towards the implementation because the quota adjustment has brought negative impacts on the fishing industry in Sabah particularly,” he said.
“The quota adjustment resulted in not enough fishing boats operating for the following months; this lack has forced boat
KKFBOA proposes that LKIM considers approving the subsidised diesel quota for certain boats based on earlier principal approvals; and based on the main horse engine of the boat.
Simon Hong
owners to stop fishing operations when their diesel quota has been utilised fully for the affected months,” he said.
Hong added that because of this, the frequency of fishing boats operating is reduced resulting in less fishing catch.
And because the fish landing is reduced, the price has increased and has burdened domestic users, he said.
At the same time, he said that fisheries product processing factories and downstream industry based on fishing products are also negatively affected.
“The price of unsubsidised diesel is very high and beyond the ability of the boat operators,” he said.