59 Beladin fishermen receive new homes under RM21.25 mln resettlement project
KUCHING (July 19): A total of 59 fishermen from Beladin in Betong have moved into new homes under the Fishermen's Resettlement Project (PSN) Beladin — a milestone aimed at improving living conditions for coastal communities.
The key handover ceremony was performed today by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who later visited one of the recipients' homes and presented food baskets as a gesture of support from the state government.
According to a statement from the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM), the PSN Beladin project is a joint initiative involving the Sarawak government, its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), LKIM, and the Sarawak State Economic Planning Unit, with a total allocation of RM21.25 million.
'The first phase saw the completion of 68 housing units at a cost of RM6.8 million, of which 59 have been handed over to recipients who have signed home ownership agreements,' said the authority.
The PSN Beladin initiative reflects the government's commitment to providing well-planned, comfortable, and strategically located housing for fishing communities – essential contributors to the state's fisheries sector.
LKIM added that the initiative is also in line with the Sarawak government's aspirations to improve the quality of life for its people, particularly for fishermen who are key contributors to the state's fisheries sector.
LKIM stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration between federal and state governments in ensuring the sustained well-being of fishing communities, including through infrastructure upgrades, economic empowerment, and climate resilience.
'This synergy is crucial in planning, implementing, and monitoring various development initiatives, including the provision of better housing, improvements to basic infrastructure, and the creation of new economic opportunities.
'Continued cooperation is also expected to strengthen the resilience of fishing communities in facing current and future challenges, in line with the goal of making the national fisheries sector more sustainable and competitive,' added the authority.
Among those present at the key handover ceremony were Deputy Secretary-General (Policy) of the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dato Sri Norazman Ayob; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; LKIM Deputy Director-General (Development) Rashima Baharuddin; elected representatives and government officials.
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