Kuala lumpur: The government has decided to maintain the quota for the Fishermen's Diesel and Petrol Subsidy Scheme at 70 million litres per month for the period between January and June 2026, as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) secretary-general, Datuk Seri Isham Ishak. This decision was made during a meeting on the management of fuel subsidies for fishermen held at the ministry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Isham emphasized that maintaining the quota is crucial for supporting fishermen, especially in addressing challenges and issues raised during nationwide engagement sessions this year, including those in Sabah and Sarawak. Data from the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia's (LKIM) e-Nelayan and e-Pendaratan systems reveal that each litre of subsidised diesel can yield nearly 0.9 kilogrammes of fish, while every ringgit of petrol subsidy can produce about two kilogrammes of fish, highlighting the direct impact of the assistance on fish landings.
Isham made these remarks at the Integrity Pact signing ceremony for suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers involved in the subsidy scheme, held at LKIM headquarters. From January to October this year, 532 million litres of subsidised diesel, valued at RM665 million, were distributed to 10,330 vessel owners nationwide. In contrast, 688 million litres, worth more than RM1.06 billion, were distributed last year. Isham stressed the importance of cooperation among all parties to prevent leakages that could affect the rights of eligible fishermen.
During the ceremony, Isham witnessed the signing of an integrity pledge by representatives of five supplier companies appointed to provide subsidised fuel under the scheme, including Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd, Chevron Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Petron Malaysia Refining and Marketing Sdn Bhd, and Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd. The pledge was also signed by three wholesalers responsible for managing subsidised fuel orders from suppliers - the National Fishermen's Association (Nekmat), the Sarawak Fishermen's Association, and the Koperasi Kemajuan Perikanan dan Nelayan Sabah (Ko-Nelayan). LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil and director-general Hamdan Mamat were also present at the event.