Photo: Bernama
KUALA TERENGGANU: The RM192mil allocation to upgrade Chendering Port can help solve the problem of shallow estuary, thus increasing fish landings.
Terengganu Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) Rosli Mustapa said that it was difficult for large-sized fishing boats of Class C and C2 to dock at the port because the water in the area was getting shallower and there were strong waves that resulted from the existing breakwaters inability to function effectively.
"The situation caused large fishing boats to take turns docking, slowing down the fish landing process and increasing its cost compared to when four boats could dock simultaneously.
"In addition, some fishermen prefer to land their catch at Tok Bali port in Kelantan or Kuantan port in Pahang, and the Terengganu Fisheries Department provides flexibility due to the problems encountered.
"However, it is a loss for Terengganu because the fish caught in our waters are landed and go to other states,” he told Bernama recently.
Rosli said the allocation approved by the federal government last March has brought huge relief to fishermen in the area and the state LKIM, in addition to being able to revive the glory days of the Chendering Port.
The RM192mil allocation, he said, had already been received by the LKIM headquarters and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, as the implementing agency, would conduct preliminary work comprising a feasibility study and design suitability.
According to Rosli, the upgrading project which was expected to be completed within four years, would consist of three major components, namely deepening the waters surrounding the port as well as repairing breakwaters and infrastructure at the port.
Meanwhile, Terengganu Fishermen Association (Penentu) chairman Mat Yassim Mohamed said apart from the shallow estuary, high waves during the monsoon season posed a threat to the safety of fishermen and fishing boats docked at the port.
"This is because the sand erosion has lowered the existing breakwaters to the point where they can no longer shelter the boats that are docked from waves during the monsoon season, resulting in the loss of many fishing vessels.
"This situation affects us a lot, particularly those who rely on this job as their primary source of income. We are very thankful to the federal government for the allocation provided to carry out the upgrading project,” he said.
Traditional fisherman, Mohd Din Ariffin, 60, meanwhile, described the proposal to build an ice factory at the port as good news for fishermen and consumers who wanted constant supplies of fresh seafood.
He also hoped that changes would be made to the method of landing seafood at the port, especially for small fishing boats.
"It’s 2023 now, so we should think about using machines or machinery, instead of manual methods. Bring back the glory days of Chendering port which used to be able to land about 20,000 tonnes of fish per year, and get more fishing boats to dock here,” he said.
On March 4, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced that the government had allocated RM192mil to upgrade the LKIM’s Chendering Port to allow more large-sized fishing boats to dock there. - Bernama
