BELADIN: The fishermen association (PNK) here has been urged to be more active and creative in organising programmes to help members improve their economic status.
Beting Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor expressed his disappointment with Beladin PNK’s performance yesterday, and wanted it to buck up.
“Wake up … rearrange the association in order to look after the interests of fishermen here because Beladin PNK was once one of the best in Malaysia,” he implored.
He had earlier handed over BIPPN assistance in the form of equipment to 109 fishermen here.
“I believe there are many plans that can be done involving fishermen, not just living from day to day.
“Our fishermen haul in a lot of catch, so diversifying the products will generate revenue, don’t have to be reliant on the sale of fish alone.
“You must be diligent such as making salted fish, pickles, crackers and so on.
“From another angle, PNK can encourage fishermen to rent their boats out for sport fishing, come up with seafood eateries, homestays and many more that can increase income,” he stressed.
On the BIPPN (Fishermen’s Fishing Equipment Input Assistance), he said the Sarawak government allocated RM20mil for this.
“For DUN Beting Maro alone, around RM470,000 had been allocated, which benefits 235 fishermen.”
Betong Division agriculture development officer Nor Armiza Nawai Muhammad Jasri, Beladin village chief Mahbang Labek and Beladin PNK board member Hussaini Anong were among those who attended the event.
