Retired fisherman Quah at his outlet selling dried seafood and souvenirs.
PANTAI Redang in Sekinchan, Selangor, has become a popular weekend getaway for Malaysians.
The view of the sunset at the beach is breathtaking, and the calm atmosphere seems to amplify the sound of waves crashing onto the shore.
The quaint little town of Sekinchan, which is 1½ to two hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur, is a treasure trove of sights, including lush padi fields and fishing boats.
Bagan, the main fishing village here, is located along the river not far from the town. Numerous fishing boats return to the jetty in the early afternoon to unload their catch.
Not taking the plunge Bagan in Selangor is a village where fishing used to be a family occupation passed down from father to son. Today, youths are no longer interested in continuing the legacy, although the village remains attractive to fishing enthusiasts and visitors are drawn to its fresh seafood. — Bernama
The old jetty near Pantai Redang is also an attraction for fishing enthusiasts.
Most visitors to Sekinchan come for the fresh seafood.
Quah Kin Hee, 63, who runs an outlet selling seafood and souvenirs, said, “Tides matter to us. In the morning when the water slowly rises up, fishing boats will come in and are moored beside the jetty. They have to leave the jetty before the low tide at midday.”
The former fisherman started his business near the old jetty 10 years ago after retirement and he no longer goes out to sea.
Born and bred in Bagan, Quah said that in the past, fishing was a family occupation passed down from father to son.
“In those days, sons would follow their fathers to sea, as not many could afford to go to school, while daughters would help their mothers sew fishing nets besides doing housework.
The Bagan fishing village with its old jetty near Pantai Redang.
“However, the younger generation today can now afford to pursue higher education and many have migrated to the city.
“Those who stayed behind were my generation of fishermen still preserving traditional fishing knowledge, including making weather predictions based on wind, tides and the moon.”
Foreigners fill vacuum
Quah’s words are supported by data from the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) which shows that of 51,608 registered fishermen in Malaysia, only 24.9% are between 15 and 40 years old as of 2020.
According to LKIM, foreigners have filled the vacuum left by the declining number of young fishermen among Malaysians.
Quah estimates that nearly 80% of fishermen in Bagan are from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia.
“Our youths are no longer interested in following their forefathers’ footsteps.
Suasana petang di Pantai Redang, antara tempat menarik di bandar kecil
“The foreign fishermen are highly skilled and resilient, able to handle a boat for long hours,” he said.
Based on statistics from the Fisheries Department (DOF), there are 12,603 foreign fishermen holding Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS) under Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955 as at April 2023 nationwide.
It became mandatory for all foreign fishing crew to have PLKS starting Jan 1, 2022, to prevent illegals from entering the country by sea.
Youths moving away
Homestay owner Oscar Lee, 36, who is the third generation from a family of fishermen, said his parents discouraged him from taking up fishing as a vocation.
“They told us the job was dangerous. They wanted the younger generation to escape the vicious cycle of poverty, by getting an education.
“That is the reason most fishermen in this village are senior citizens, with only one or two in their 30s,” he added.
Johan, 50, another fisherman’s son who is now an executive director of a private company, said the fishery industry in the country was still based on the traditional concept; a far cry from the fishery industries in the developed world which had made rapid technological progress.
“Boats and vessels should be equipped with the latest navigation safety systems. Just having life jackets and fire extinguishers are not enough.
“If existing assets are upgraded with the latest technology, maybe the younger generation will be more attracted to the sector,” he added.
3D stigma
Malaysia is reported to be one of the biggest seafood consumers in the world, which reflects the fisheries’ key role in the domestic food supply chain.
However, today’s youths generally shun employment opportunities in the 3D (dangerous, dirty and difficult) industries despite various initiatives implemented by the government to boost the fishery industry.
The initiatives include the Fishermen’s Subsistence Allowance (ESHN), Fishermen’s Diesel and Petrol Subsidy Scheme, Fishermen Fund Loan, Special Fishermen Housing Project and Fishermen’s Safety Protection Scheme.
However, only 11.17% of young fishermen have benefitted from all the initiatives launched through LKIM and the Fisheries Department, according to a 2020 report from the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi).
A Mardi survey of 71 young fishermen aged 15 to 40 years old in Peninsular Malaysia revealed that only half of them were satisfied with the government stimulus packages available.
Workable proposals
In the report, Mardi pointed out the challenges that might have contributed to the lack of youth involvement in the fishing industry.
There are difficulties in getting technical assistance, inadequate support, and bureaucratic problems like delays in approving licence renewals or approving new licences.
Although the government agencies are directly involved in industry training programmes, it can be argued that the initiatives are not comprehensive and do not focus on the needs of youths.
The report states that the government should promote fishing as an entrepreneurial activity which generates good income and provides financial security.
“The government needs to examine and redesign its programmes to attract more youths to become fishing-based entrepreneurs, especially in deep-sea fishing, aquaculture and processing, which can bring good profits,” Mardi stated.
Economic potential
Fresh seafood trader Ahmad Faris Mohd Bakri, 30, said the government should raise awareness of the fishery sector’s economic potential to youths in school, to generate more interest.
“Young people who hold the key to a better future should be motivated instead of being ashamed to venture into this field,” he said.
“Do not let the traditional knowledge acquired over the years by the older fishermen to go to waste.
“The onus is on today’s youths to continue our fishing legacy or it will fall into the hands of foreigners.
“Domestic demand for seafood is on the rise, which bodes well for the industry,” said Ahmad Faris. — Bernama
