Fishermen to get subsidised diesel from area body only

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SIBU: Jetty operators supplying subsidised diesel to fishermen will not be permitted to obtain their supplies direct from ‘Persatuan Nelayan Negeri Sarawak’ when the new distribution arrangement comes into effect.

Instead they would be required to obtain the subsidised fuel from Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan (PNK) – the latest add-in to the distribution channels.

Revealing the new distribution model yesterday was a spokesman from PNK, who explained that this was to prevent manipulation of the controlled item.

He stressed that among others, the new arrange-ment would ensure a more efficient distribution of the fuel to fishermen.

The new distribution strategy came about following a circular  from the National Audit Department, he disclosed, adding  that  PNK  would rent the jetties and other equipment to carry out the task under the new arrangement.

“The new arrangement will see PNK obtaining the subsidised fuel from ‘Persatuan Nelayan Negeri Sarawak’ and supply them to jetty operators.

“The operators will later supply  the  subsidised  diesel to fishermen. So you see, there are no changes really in the dealings between operators  and  fishermen. In fact, there is  nothing to be concerned about.

“The only thing is that there is an additional channel involved – PNK, which will take over the role played by the jetty operators,” he  told  reporters after a dialogue session between Sarawak Fishing Vessels’ Association, PNK and Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) here.

Among those  present were chairman of Sarawak Fishing Vessels’ Association Ha Tung Ting, LKIM Mukah regional officer II Marjuki Juli and representatives  of PNK from  Bruit, Belawai, Layar/Rimbas/Pusa, Gerigat, Matu and Kabong.

To a question, he  said the new arrangement for Sibu and Sarikei is scheduled to be implemented by early February if everything went well.

He pointed out that there are three jetties each here and Sarikei.

The three jetties here are located at Lanang (two) and one at Engkilo, the spokesman said.