A GROUP of seasoned fishermen has described the assistance provided under a development-linked fishermen support programme as timely relief, helping to ease rising costs and improve their daily operations at sea.
They described the new boats and engines under the state government’s Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) as a meaningful upgrade that has improved safety, reliability and confidence when going out to sea.
Under the state government initiative, the new equipment made a noticeable difference in daily operations, easing concerns about breakdowns and safety while at sea.
Yap Soon Hock, 70, who has been fishing since he was 13, said the industry has changed significantly over the decades, especially with higher operating costs and more expensive equipment.
“When I started at 13, things were very different. Now everything is costly, even boat engines,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Yap, who fishes around Pulau Kendi and Pulau Rimau, said he typically goes out to sea five days a week, mainly targeting prawns, with catches sometimes around 20kg after long hours offshore.
He said the assistance received, including ex-gratia and equipment support, has helped many fishermen stay in the industry.
“Many fishermen are very happy with the help given. This industry is our livelihood, so support is important,” he said.
Another fisherman, Azmi Husin from the Teluk Kumbar fishermen unit, who has over three decades of experience, said fishermen were given briefings and information sessions before deciding whether to accept the assistance package.
He said opinions were initially mixed when the Silicon Island project was first introduced, but engagement sessions helped clarify how the aid programme worked and what support was available.
“After attending the briefings and understanding the explanation, many of us agreed voluntarily,” he said.
Azmi added that no one was forced to accept the offer, and fishermen were free to choose whether to participate.
Another fisherman, Yeoh Choon Huat, 73, said he has been fishing since he was 12 and has seen the industry change over time, especially in terms of costs and fishing grounds.
He said he now works with a two-person crew and uses a four-stroke engine provided under the SIMP.
Yeoh said the SIMP package included boat and engine assistance, ex-gratia payments, along with additional support such as nets, GPS, sonar and robots.
He said catches vary depending on conditions, sometimes below 10kg and at other times significantly higher, and added that improved equipment such as engines and nets has helped improve efficiency and mobility at sea.
“Even if we need to go further out or change fishing areas, we can still continue our work. The equipment helps a lot,” he said.
He added that the assistance has made it easier for fishermen to continue their livelihood despite ongoing challenges in the industry.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud