SAMARAHAN : The construction of the ice factory at the Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Tanjong Bako Port must be hastened. LKIM Chairman, Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim said yesterday that the factory was essential for the operations of fishermen involved in the fresh and frozen seafood industry.
“We want to avoid any inconvenience to the port itself once it is operational. “It will be constructed in two phases as a part of the port’s development project by the National Fishermen Association.
The port is the biggest fish landing port in Southeast Asia,” said Irmohizam in an interview during his fifth working visit to the complex yesterday. He revealed that during his previous visit to Sarawak, he met the Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg to ensure that the port would be 100 per cent active within a month.
“I have also formed a special committee to report any development of the port to Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas,” said Irmohizam.
Comment ing on the los s of RM6 billion in the fisher y industry as stated by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Seri Zahid Hamidi recently, Irmohizam said that sea encroachment occur red cons tant ly in the waters off the East Coast of West Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
“Therefore, I would like to suggest that various authorities such as the Marine, TLDM, APMM, LKIM and others form a committee to tackle this issue.
“Standing together will definitely send a strong message to illegal ships that we do not tolerate any acts of stealing from our waters,” said Irmohizam.
