KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry is investigating claims by 426 fishing vessel operators in Sandakan that subsidised diesel is not being sufficiently distributed.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said they are working with the relevant agencies including the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to resolve the issue.
Kitingan, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, stressed that such issues should not happen and gave an assurance that the government would address the problem swiftly.
“We will meet with representatives from the Sandakan Fishing (Tongkang) Association to gather more information.
"A report will be shared once investigations are completed,” he said on Thursday (Oct 10).
ALSO READ: Fish supply dries up as diesel shortage keeps Sandakan fishermen on land
Two weeks ago, association chairman Ng Chi Tshung said local fishermen had been forced to drastically reduce fishing trips from four times a month to just once owing to irregularities in the distribution of subsidised diesel.
Despite a government allocation of 2.8 million litres per month, priced at RM1.68 per litre compared to RM2.15 at petrol stations, shortages have persisted.
ALSO READ: Sandakan fishermen struggling with alleged lack of diesel
Ng pointed out that the supply problem began in July, citing two newly registered but non-operational jetties that continue to receive diesel allocations, potentially contributing to the shortfall.
This shortage has led to a 60%-70% decline in fish supplies, impacting both the fishermen's livelihoods and the availability of fresh fish in local markets.
Ng called for an urgent investigation, warning that there could be long-term effects on Sandakan’s fishing industry and the district's food security.
On Sept 30, the association held a peaceful protest to seek an increase in diesel quota and a probe of alleged misappropriation in the distribution process.
