Co-op a platform for women to supplement their families’ income through fishing
LAWAS: The set ting up of Koperasi- Kumpulan Wanita Nelayan (Kunita) Berhad in Lawas District is an ideal platform for fisherwomen to supplement their family income.
Lawas District Officer Hussaini Hakim said with many women actively involved in various sectors of the fishing industry as members, he was confident that Kunita Lawas could compete economically with other associations in the district.
“Having an association will make it easier for government agencies like LKIM, Kemas, Mara and Fama to assist Kunita in their economic ventures,” he said at the opening of the inaugural meeting of Kunita Berhad, Lawas District recently.
His text- of- speech was read by administrative officer for Lawas District, Joseph Ganang Surang.
Hussaini observed that women in this district are now venturing into business including downstream processing of marine and fisheries products in addition to other income generating activities like tailoring, catering, handicraft, sales and managing homestays.
Hussaini suggested that Kunita branches in Lawas form a federation as a platform to conduct business and compete with other associations or organisations.
“They need to upgrade their knowledge and skills through attending courses and seminars for their enterprises to succeed, be they done individually or in a joint venture.”
Hussaini praised the women in the district for doing community service without expecting any reward while having to look after their families.
He hoped that they would persevere in such community service.
Present at the function were officer from Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) Region 3 Miri, Saliah Mudin; chairman of Lawas Area Fishermen Association ( PNK) , Awangku Tajuddin Pengiran Ibrahim; PNK Lawas general manager Liana Jailun and Kunita Lawas chairwoman Nor Hafizah Aliakbar.