The Sarawak Fishing Vessel Association calls upon the federal government to review its decision of reducing the diesel subsidy for fishermen.
Association chairman Harry Tan said the subsidy cut would have a significant impact on the livelihood of the fishing community.
It is understood that the federal government has reduced the subsidy for up to 3,000 litres of diesel per fishing vessel, taking effect in January this year without any prior notification.
“Diesel expenses make up a large part of the fishing boat’s operating costs.
“Therefore, reducing the subsidy means that the monthly operating costs will increase, directly impacting the fishermen’s livelihood.
“The catch is uncertain in every fishing trip; sometimes, it may not even cover the fuel expenses,” he said at a press conference held in Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong branch office here yesterday.
Tan also said vessel owners also had many other costs to cover such as those for repairing nets, repairs and maintenance of machines and other equipment, as well as pay and wages for the workers.
Adding on, he said they had no control over the fluctuating selling prices of fish and fish products, stressing that these were determined by ‘demand and supply’ in the market.
“If the selling price of a fish goes up, please do not blame us fishermen,” he appealed.
Tan also believed that the federal government should communicate with the fishermen’s organisations and understand their needs, especially those related to fuel consumption, before making any adjustments to the subsidy.
He also requested for a dialogue to be held with the federal Fisheries Development Board, or the ministry overseeing agriculture.
Apart from diesel subsidy, another area that warranted attention would be licence transfers, said Tan.
According to him, any transfer of names would not allow the fishing licence-holder to operate in the same area.