Sabah expands support for fishermen, including in Semporna
Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025
By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government continues to boost the livelihoods of local fishermen through various assistance programs, regardless of their registration with local Area Fishermen Associations (PNK), said Assistant Minister II Datuk Peto Galim. He said initiatives under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry include equipment aid like boats, engines, nets, GPS units, and life jackets, especially for poor and hardcore poor fishermen. As of 2024, Sabah has 26,682 fishermen, with 5,158 in Semporna. Six Semporna fishermen received direct aid this year, with another 12 expected to benefit soon. Through Ko-Nelayan, the ministry also offers microcredit via i-Nelayan (up to RM10,000 for fishing gear) and i-Hiliran (up to RM100,000 for fish-based product operators). From 2024–2025, eight Semporna fishermen and 13 downstream operators benefited from these schemes. Fishermen also receive free SKM-certified training in skills such as boat building and engine maintenance, while the e-SMART app and e-KAN platform help them locate fishing spots and sell products online. To date, eight Semporna fishermen use e-SMART, while 16 local operators on e-KAN have recorded RM5.23 million in sales. 'These efforts show our ongoing commitment to improving the well-being of fishermen in Sabah, especially in Semporna,' Peto said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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