KUALA LUMPUR: The government is giving fishermen without licences the opportunity to submit applications under the regularisation programme, which is implemented periodically to fill vacancies left by cancelled licences, the Dewan Rakyat was told on Thursday (July 16).
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said coastal fishermen could also apply for special boat licences through the District Fisheries Office, subject to the conditions and criteria set by the Fisheries Department.
"This approach allows more fishermen to operate legally, gain access to various government assistance programmes and improve compliance with fisheries regulations to ensure the sustainability of resources and the well-being of fishing communities," he said when replying to a question from Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang).
He had wanted to know whether there was any flexibility or a special mechanism for the issuance and renewal of fishing licences for Zone A fishermen (coastal boat operators), particularly traditional fishermen facing enforcement action over licensing issues.
Mohamad said 800 licences were approved nationwide last year, while 915 licences were approved the year before.
He explained that the existing licensing mechanisms and conditions remained relevant and continued to meet current needs in ensuring licences were issued to individuals who were genuinely eligible and dependent on the fisheries sector as their main source of income.
In response to a supplementary question from Syed Abu Hussin on the need for more transparent criteria, Mohamad said the department would review the criteria for issuing licences from time to time to ensure they were given to eligible individuals.
"If, for example, there are people who are not fishermen but have obtained licences, please lodge a written complaint or meet our officers so that action can be taken," he said.
He said the criteria for applying for a special boat licence included a 10-year residency confirmation from the head of the fishing village, going out to sea for at least 120 days a year and obtaining support from the State Fisheries Office.
"The main conditions are that applicants must be aged 18 and above, be in good health, work as fishermen and, if they are pensioners, their pension must not exceed RM2,200.
"We provide assistance to those who are truly in need," he added. – Bernama
