MCA to arrange talks to solve fishing issues

SABAK BERNAM: MCA will arrange for a discussion between fishermen, the Fishery Department and Home Ministry for a solution to various issues.

Wanita MCA chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie said many fishermen had given their feedback on some of the technical issues in the industry, including the hiring of foreign workers.

“I think having the three parties sit down and engage in a discussion is the best way to finding an amicable solution,” she said after a visit to the Xian Fa Shi Gong Temple in Bagan Sekinchan here yesterday.

On Saturday, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said that fishermen operating in Zone B – five nautical miles or more from the coast – were now able to submit applications for foreign workers.

Heng, who is also adviser on National Unity and Integration in the Prime Minister’s Department, said relevant agencies were working on the application process following the announcement.

“I think it is just a matter of time for all Zone B fishermen to get their applications for foreign workers approved.

“The most important thing is that the Home Minister has already announced that decision on this matter,” she said.

Heng also reiterated her concerns over Kelantan Mufti Datuk Shukri Mohamad’s call for non-Muslim women to stop wearing provocative attire during Ramadan in order to be considerate to all Muslims during this period.

“The values of one religion should not be made to restrict the rights and freedoms of others,” she said, asking for Malaysians to be wary of PAS’ hudud law agenda and its Private Member’s Bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Juris­diction Amend­ment) Act 2016 which was tabled at the last Parliament meeting.