KUCHING: As the monsoon season ensues in Sarawak, Malaysian Fishery Development Board (LKIM) is developing a plan to help fishermen who are unable to go out due to strong winds and heavy rain.
LKIM director-general Jamaludin Othman said LKIM is coming up with additional plans to combat the issues faced by fishermen during the season.
“I suggest LKIM to conduct a programme where these fishermen are trained in manufacturing processed food and we will provide funding for their training,” he said in a press conference, here yesterday.
Jamaludin added that having individual quick-freezing machine for fishes caught when they are in season and storing it to be sold during the monsoon season would help fishermen greatly.
He explained that the frozen fishes are not excess unwanted catch, but caught fresh and frozen immediately after being brought back to land.
“In consensus with the Agriculture Ministry’s vision, we encourage fishermen to extend their business capabilities and venture into husbandry and agriculture.
“We welcome all fishermen to visit our office and consult us regarding the opportunities available during this monsoon season,” he added.
LKIM is also working on developing a consortium with some companies to provide funding for fishermen to get better equipment during the rough seasons.
“We are partnering with Agrobank to prepare funding in terms of loan to the fishermen to enable them to purchase bigger boats to venture out to further seas.
“This is because of the decreasing amount of fishes on the sea shores which forces fishermen to sail further out to the sea which is dangerous without proper boat and equipments.”
