AG'S Report: LKIM complexes not built at strategic fish landing areas

KUALA LUMPUR: The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) complexes which were not built at the main fish producing areas, particularly in Sabah and southern Perak, was among factors for low fish landing.
According to the Auditor-General's Report 2016 Series 2, the situation is aggravated by the existence of private complexes and jetties, besides the issue of state land ownership by LKIM.
The report said based on LKIM's feedback, the complexes were also facing serious mud siltation problems that were unsuitable for fish landing.
The quantity and value of marine fish landing at 41 LKIM complexes from 2012 to 2016 was still low at 1.23 million metric tonnes and worth RM3.495 billion compared with the nationwide landing of 7.47 million metric tonnes worth RM44.601 billion, said the report.
However, the report said it was found that the fish landing quantities compared to its capacity in six of 41 complexes had achieved 105.6% to 365.8%.
The six complexes were in Lumut, Perak; Geting (Kelantan); Kuala Muda (Kedah); Kuantan (Pahang); and Teluk Bahang (Penang).
"Among the achievement factors are cooperation between state governments and local authorities which instruct fishermen to land their catch at the LKIM fishery complexes," said the report.
Meanwhile, the report said, seven complexes were not fully utilised while 254 facilities worth RM1.15 million at 10 complexes and 48 equipment worth RM2.84 million in the complexes were not being used.
Therefore, the National Audit Department suggested several recommendations, urging LKIM and the Malaysian Fisheries Department to strengthen their engagement with state governments and authorities, so that more fishermen would land their catch at LKIM complexes.
The LKIM should also study the need to improve the complexes operation and readiness level, facilities and equipment so that it could be used optimally. — Bernama