IPOH, April 3 — The maximum limit of 50 litres of subsidised diesel per day at RM1.65 is currently sufficient for the daily operational needs of most fishermen in the country.
Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the agency is aware of complaints from fishermen who claim that the quota is insufficient.
He said the subsidy is not intended to cover the full operational costs of fishermen each time they go out to sea to catch fish.
“We must understand that the subsidy provided by the government only helps to cover part of fishermen’s expenses, depending on the capacity of their boats and their respective fuel needs.
“If any fishermen require more than 50 litres a day, they will have to bear the additional cost themselves, as this subsidy policy is meant to cover only part of the costs,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after officiating the LKIM fish cheap sale in conjunction with the MADANI Rakyat Programme (PMR) 2026 at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah here today.
Meanwhile, in a related matter, Muhammad Faiz said the country’s fish supply is currently sufficient to meet domestic demand and should not lead to price increases in the market.
“In terms of catch, fish supply is sufficient. If there is an increase in fish prices, it is more likely due to supply chain factors such as logistics and transportation, rather than at the fishermen’s level.
He added that apart from the diesel subsidy, the government also provides various incentives to fishermen, including monthly cost-of-living allowances and catch incentives to encourage higher productivity in the fisheries sector.
“These efforts are important to ensure fishermen continue going out to sea, while also guaranteeing that the country’s fish supply remains stable and sufficient,” he said. — Bernama
