RM1.09 million in cost of living allowance paid to Melaka fishermen
Posted on August 20, 2012, Monday
MELAKA: Fishermen in Melaka have received RM1.09 million in cost of living allowance (Cola) in the first six months of the year.
Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority director for Melaka and Negeri Sembilan Baharin Omar said about 1,000 fishing vessel owners and employees registered with LKIM, had received the allowance.
He said, of the amount, RM241,200 was paid to members of South Melaka Fishermen’s Association while RM856,000 was paid to West Melaka Fishermen’s Association members.
“There are 1,766 fishermen in the state registered with the Melaka Fisheries Department, of which 1,367 are categorised as owners and 399, crewmen,” he told Bernama here.
He said vessel owners were eligible to receive the allowance to have valid licences or e-nelayan cards and did not have other permanent employment.
For vessel workers, they should be verified by vessel owners as being above 18 years of age, Malaysian citizens and hold valid e-nelayan cards issued by the fisheries department.
Baharin said the RM200 monthly allowance was the government’s move to lighten the burden of fishermen facing economic pressure due to the hike in fuel prices, apart from being incentive to the fisheries sector to stay competitive.
Meanwhile, he said a total of RM2.44 million in Cola was paid to fishermen in the state last year. -Bernama
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