KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement today that the government will raise the living allowance for fishermen back to RM300 from RM250 a month reflects its concern for the welfare of the group.
National Fishermen’s Association (Nekmat) general manager Azrin Shah Ismail said the announcement was good news for fishermen, especially coastal fishermen who were mostly affected by the spread of Covid-19.
“The ones that are most affected are the fishermen in the areas enforced by the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO).
“Yes they can go out to the sea, but they can only market the fish in EMCO areas. Fish mongers from outside will have the difficulty entering the EMCO areas,“ he told Bernama.
Azrin Shah said the increase in the allowance would also help fishermen to cover their monthly expenses including to purchase basic goods and their children’s school items.
Meanwhile, in Pasir Puteh, more than 700 fishermen in Bachok and Pasir Puteh were grateful to the prime minister for the increase in the allowance.
Bachok Fishermen’s Association chairman Saripuddin Ishak said the announcement had brought relief to fishermen in the area.
“The increase is very meaningful for us because at the moment we can rarely go out to the sea due to the uncertain weather conditions,“ he said.
Semerak Fishermen’s Association chairman Zahari Samat said the increase could help lessen the financial burden of more than 100 fishermen in the area.-Bernama
