Hamisa (front fifth left) with the eight recipients at the Kampung Logpond Tanjong Batu.
TAWAU: Assistant Minister of Resource Development and Information Technology, Datuk Hamisa Samat has reminded fishermen that they should not abuse government aid.
“It will be a loss to them if they abuse the various forms of scheme
assistance including equipment to the fishermen in this area to improve their standards of living and also help entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses,” Hamisa said.
She said it was very unfortunate if fishermen failed to take advantage of the assistance given to help them and their families to come out of poverty.
“All the fishermen in the district are urged to be more proactive in undertaking various activities that will stimulate the economy and the fishermen in Tawau district should strive to increase their earning in line with the aim of the government to help hardcore poor,” she said after handing over eight outboard engines to eight fishermen during the aid delivery Emobile Program to help increase fishermen’s revenue through the provision of fishing equipment at the LKIM jetty, Logpond Tg Batu Laut yesterday.
Hamisa said to achieve the goal, the government would support fishermen including providing them with fish cages and fish fries to start small-scale activities before embarking on bigger projects.
“It is unfair if they misuse the assistance given to them if they sell it as this would show the people do not appreciate the government aid,” she said, adding that they should capitalize on the government assistance for the sake of their families,” Hamisa said.
Hamisa said the attitude of some fishermen who sold the aid for fast profit was detrimental to themselves and thwart the government’s hope to see the people free from the shackles of poverty.