KOTA KINABALU: Irregularities in the distribution of subsidised diesel in Sandakan have caused fishermen to suffer a sharply lower catch, which led to a reduced supply of fresh fish to consumers, says a local group.
Sandakan Fishing (Tongkang) Association chairman Ng Chi Tshung (pic) said local fishermen are now forced to drastically reduce their fishing trips from four times in a month to just once due to the irregularities.
He urged the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) to investigate the issue.
The government, said Ng, had allocated 2.8 million litres of subsidised diesel monthly to fishermen in the district.
“This fuel is priced at RM1.68 per litre, significantly lower than the RM2.15 per litre at petrol stations.
“It was previously sufficient for the 426 fishing vessels operating across four jetties in the area – three in Bandar Ramai-Ramai Karamunting and one in Batu Putih Mile 7,” he said in a statement.
However, since July, the supply has become insufficient, he added.
“The diesel is now being distributed to six jetties instead of the original four,” said Ng.
He said the two newly registered jetties under LKIM are not operational and have no fishing vessels, and he believes this discrepancy is causing the shortage faced by Sandakan’s fishing community.
The reduced fishing trips led to a sharp decline of 60% to 70% in fisheries output in the Sandakan district.
“The shortage has not only impacted the fishermen’s livelihoods but also disrupted the supply of fresh fish to local markets, raising concerns among consumers.
“We hope LKIM would conduct a thorough investigation into the registration of the two new jetties,” he said.
Ng warned that if the issue is not addressed, it could have long-term repercussions on Sandakan’s fishing industry and the district’s overall food security.
