KUALA LUMPUR: All jetties under the Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) are being closely monitored to prevent them from being taken over by foreign vessels, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic).
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the ministry takes seriously any complaints involving the misuse of jetties by private boats or companies.
“This is not an attempt to evade responsibility.
“It is to ensure LKIM jetties function properly and can be fully utilised, especially by small-scale fishermen,” he said during the oral question session.
Mohamad was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng (BN-Tanjung Piai) who asked about the measures that the ministry is taking to ensure that jetties of LKIM are managed transparently and inclusively, preventing monopolisation by specific parties and ensuring fair access for small-scale fishermen and local enterprises.
At present, Mohamad said there are 505 LKIM fish-landing jetties nationwide operating under conventional management.
He added that management of these jetties is under the purview of local fishermen’s associations or committees at each base.
Mohamad also emphasised that LKIM does not permit any party to monopolise jetty facilities, including leasing them out to private entities.
