Julaihi (seated third left), flanked by Intan (on his left) and Michael, and Ajis (left) in a photocall with LKIM officials and fishermen after the briefing.
SEBUYAU: The 500 or so fishermen in Sebangan zone who are now without any association, are urged to form a management committee to look after their welfare, and voice out their grievances.
In giving this message, Assistant Minister of Coastal Road Datuk Julaihi Narawi, said those fishermen needed a platform to enable them to receive assistance from the federal and Sarawak governments, while waiting for a response from Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) to set up their own association.
The over 500 fishermen comprise those from Kpg Menek, Kpg Lutong, Kpg Sampat, Kpg Segali, Kpg Sg Ladong and Kpg Seruyuk, which previously fell under Asajaya-Semera Area Fishermen Association, but are now without any association since last year.
On Tuesday, Julaihi, together with LKIM Sarawak acting director Intan Suhaili, Samarahan deputy Resident Rithard Michael Abu Nawas, Sebuyau SAO Ajis Ahmad, and officers from Samarahan District Office, met with the fishermen, and were informed of their plight.
“While waiting for answers from LKIM, I suggest that the 500 of you (fishermen) form a management committee, and based on the LKIM you need a proper platform to receive assistance from the governments,” said Julaihi, who is also Sebuyau assemblyman.
He also announced a RM100,000-allocation for the committee to be disbursed next year.
Julaihi, meanwhile, urged fishermen in the area to be more pro-active to develop themselves by tapping into the many business potentials now that many development projects were taking place in the area, and also the building of the coastal roads.
“With good road network, Sebuyau will become a destination of choice for the people to buy fresh fish and agricultural produce.