Abang Johari (left) fields questions from participants during the town hall session. With him is Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
LUNDU: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak government will prepare some incentives to help the fishing community here and other parts of the state who struggle during the monsoon season.
During the ‘Berambeh Ngan Abang Jo’ town hall session, he mentioned that he had been informed that the federal government had reduced the cash incentive for fishermen from RM300 to RM200.
“I will discuss with Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas as to how we can help the fishing community during the monsoon season.
“In a meeting with a fishermen’s association in the northern region, they had asked for help in the form of engines and boats, which we approved.
“As for those of you in Lundu, I will discuss with Uggah as to whether or not the aid should be in the form of repairs or cash. When we have reached a decision, I will inform your association here,” he said in response to a question posed by a participant.
The same participant also asked about maritime security in Sarawak waters, to which Abang Johari said that such issues were not just prevalent in Lundu, but in other parts of the state and also the country.
“This is why I introduced the artificial reefs project to curb foreign vessels from encroaching into Sarawak waters. As for patrols, it is my understanding that many of our enforcement ships cannot be used.
“In our last cabinet meeting, we had discussed how we could help through the state safety committee,” he said, adding that maritime security was a federal responsibility.
Touching on ways to help farmers in Lundu and Sematan, Abang Johari also announced yesterday that he had approved a grant of RM5 million which would be used to build an agricultural produce collection centre.
The centre, he said, would help farmers to market their produce more effectively while overcoming the issue of agricultural ‘dumping’.
Among those present at the town hall session were Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Tanjong Datu assemblywoman Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu and Opar assemblyman Datuk Ranum Mina.