Instey (fourth right) and his wife give the thumbs-up together with Sim (fifth right), Dr Teo (sixth right) and others in a photocall.
MIRI: The implementation of the Modernisation of Fishing Vessel (MFV) programme will be able to develop a more modern fisheries industry, complete with safety and comfort of the workers, and insurers.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Sim Tze Tzin said this was also in line with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia’s (DoF) policy of not issuing deep-sea fishing permits for used boats or boats purchased from abroad.
“Fishing vessels with design, equipment and technology can reduce labour cost. Comfortable rooms can also be added for the comfort of employees, which will attract local people to work on such vessels,” Sim said during a visit to Sarawak Slipways here yesterday to see two modern fishing vessels built and purchased by BA Titan Company based iQueenland, Australia.
Director of Marine Fisheries Department Sarawak Bohari Leng and Miri MP Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng were also present during the visit. According to Sim, the migration to modern fishing vessels from wood-based fishing vessels was an opportunity to create more business opportunities for the fisheries industry under the fishing vessel modernisation programme.
He said the DoF introduced the Modernisation of Fishing Vessel programme through a 12-standard guideline in line with the International Maritime organisation (IMO), international conventions and International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).
“The programme is introduced as almost all fishing vessels in Malaysia are made of wood, resulting in them being not eligible to be cerfified and get insurance, and therefore difficult for the owners to also get financial loan.
Sim added that the DoF together with 15 others had worked together in the programme. Among them are LKIM, Agrobank, Mida, Might, Nekmat and Shipyard Recognised Organisation and Ship Designer as well as permit holders.
“An engagement session held with vessel owners, shipyards, designers, classification societies, insurers and bankers, is able to connect the entrepreneurs and developers of modern fishing vessels in Malaysia,” Sim said.
The vessels that are built by Sarawak Slipways for BA Titan Company are shrimp floating vessels which come complete with galley and mess room for the comfort of crew in accordance with the Guidelines for Fishing Vessels Construction Department of the Fisheries Department of Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the owner of two vessels, Bob Instey, said his crews were preparing to leave for Australia during high tide today. He also praised the ship builders here, saying they were very good.
“I will definitaely buy more boats from here in the future,” he added.