Fishermen in Bintulu told to unite behind their local association

BINTULU: Bintulu Fishermen Association (PNK) members have been urged to give their undivided support to the association in order to revive PNK Bintulu’s reputation as one of the best fisherman associations in the state.

Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia ( LKIM) Sarawak deputy director Nik Rashid Nik Jusoh said PNK Bintulu was once known to be the richest PNK in Sarawak.

“About 10 years ago, PNK Bintulu had the biggest assets and was the top and most competitive PNK in Sarawak but for some reason, it has been experiencing a difficult time.

“But I am confident with good management and strong support of the members, PNK Bintulu can bounce back,” he said at PNK Bintulu’s 37th annual general meeting (AGM) at Bintulu Civic Centre yesterday.

He said the strength of any association depends on the strength of its members.

“This PNK is our right; its success and failure depends on the members and I hope you can give your support to all activities that will be organised by your association in the future,” he said.

Nik Rashid also reminded the management of PNK in Sarawak of their responsibilities to be trustworthy and not to abuse their power for personal gain.

“Only then you would get the undivided support from your members,” he added.

He also hoped members would be able to utilise the AGM session to share constructive ideas to improve PNK Bintulu financially.

Meanwhile PNK Bintulu chairman Jumat Brahim said to date, they have a total of 830 registered members with 18 staff.

“We have two fishermen markets, namely in ABF Housing and Kuala Tatau,” he said.

PNK Bintulu, he added, has implemented various projects to generate income for the association: oil sales, supplying fish, processing marine products and making fibreglass boats.

Jumat also thanked Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for allocating a RM10,000 grant for PNK Bintulu this year.