Langkawi fishermen benefit from federal gov't aid

LANGKAWI: The federal government has spent RM3,043,600 as a living cost allowance, which benefited 839 fishermen registered under the Langkawi Area Fishermen's Association (PNK) last year.
Kedah Agriculture and Agro-based, Community and Women Development, Social Welfare and Entrepreneurial Development Committee chairman Datuk Suraya Yaacob said during the same period, RM866,000 was also allocated as a fishermen fund and another RM32,150 for the Fishermen's Welfare and Natural Disaster Scheme.
"Through these types of assistance, fishermen in Langkawi have been able to ensure constant supply of fish and allow us not to import fish from outside," she said when presenting fishermen's living cost allowance and safety jackets to Langkawi PNK members, here today.
She said the federal aid, being complemented by state-run aid schemes was part of ongoing efforts to improve the lives of the fishermen and their economy.
"The various types of assistance will continue to be provided but the fishermen must not depend solely on them. To succeed, the fishermen must think like entrepreneurs in order to determine the price of their catch," she added. — Bernama