135 Kunita members attend gathering organised by LKIM
BINTULU: A total of 135 members of Fishermen’s Wives Group ( Kunita) from Bintulu and 10 other branches attended the Kunita gathering in Bintulu recently.
Among the activities held during the gathering were aerobic exercise, sports events, painting contest and local dance contest.
Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority ( LKIM) Region 3 Miri officer Saliah Mudin said apart from fostering closer ties and cooperation among members, the objective of the programme was also to encourage the older members to join in the social activities.
“This is in line with the current technological development so that they can be more competitive and motivated to continue their efforts to increase their business income through Kunita.
“This programme is also part of the Gelombang Nelayan Nasional (GNN 2017) which is implemented across the state, the launching of which is expected to be officiated by the deputy prime minister on Oct 14, 2017. It is hoped that this kind of programme can transform the thinking of our local fishermen,” Saliah told The Borneo Post.
Present at the programme were
This is in line with the current technological development so that they can be more competitive and motivated to continue their efforts to increase their business income through Kunita. Saliah Mudin, Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Region 3 Miri officer
Pada Bijo, representing state LKIM director; Bintulu Area Fishermen Association ( PNK) general manager Awang Ismail Awang Sharie and PNK Bintulu chairman Jumat Brahim.
Azman Abdul Rahman, representing Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, officiated at the closing ceremony.
In his text of speech read by Azman, Tiong urged Kunita Bintulu to bring greater transformation in their organisation so that they can contribute more towards improving the socio- economy of the fishing community.
“For this purpose, the parties concerned must be more proactive in expanding economic activities not just in the production of fisheries products but also in other services such as sewing, catering, homestay and handicraft.
“In this respect, Kunita must be competitive in their planning and carry out economic activities to generate more income, thus improving their livelihood,” said Tiong.
He proposed the setting up of a cooperative for the women in line with the government’s aspiration for Kunita members to become successful entrepreneurs.
“The setting up of this cooperative will create opportunity for their children to work, thus expanding their product marketing network and improving the quality of production,” Tiong added.
On their part, Tiong said LKIM and the Area Fishermen Association can help by providing guidance in packaging, marketing, including the latest marketing strategy such as food truck.
“Therefore, Kunita members must improve their skills and knowledge by attending courses conducted by the relevant agencies,” added Tiong.