16-06-2025
Govt To Allocate RM300 Mln For Two Schemes To Strengthen Fisheries Industry
PUTRAJAYA, June 16 (Bernama) -- The government will allocate RM300 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to implement two key fisheries schemes aimed at safeguarding marine resources and improving fishermen's welfare, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
He said the two schemes are the Fisheries Catch Sector Financing Scheme and the Matching Grant Scheme for the Replacement of Trawl Nets and Boats.
"Each scheme is allocated RM150 million. The Fisheries Catch Sector Financing Scheme will focus on upgrading fishing vessels and automating the fishing industry.
"The Matching Grant Scheme for the Replacement of Trawl Nets and Boats aims to encourage more sustainable and environmentally friendly fishing methods," he said in a statement after chairing the High-Level Committee Meeting on Fishermen Development and Empowerment (JPT-PPN) today.
Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the committee, said the meeting also agreed to implement the Fishermen Economic Transformation Through Aquaculture Project (TEMAN-AKUA): Aquaculture for B40 Fishermen, targeting unlicensed fishermen in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Perlis to transition into aquaculture.
The project will be implemented in four phases involving cockle and mussel farming, with a potential return of RM50 million annually.
"The total cost of RM5 million for the 2025-2029 period will be supported through the Aquaculture Delivery and Support Services System Programme (SPeKS)," he added.
Ahmad Zahid also said the Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Fisheries College in Lumut, Perak, will train local boat skippers and fishermen under the Local Fishermen Training and Entrepreneurship Grant Programme to reduce reliance on foreign crews.
The programme includes Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) courses, short-term training and entrepreneurship grants of up to RM200,000. A 2025 pilot project will involve 50 participants.
