Kertih: The government, through the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM), is exploring optimal aid distribution strategies for deep-sea fishing boat owners in the Zone C2 category nationwide. This initiative follows a temporary diesel price adjustment due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has significantly impacted these fishermen.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil highlighted that Zone C2 fishermen are particularly disadvantaged as they do not benefit from the Diesel Subsidy Scheme. Unlike their counterparts in Zones A, B, and C, who receive subsidies at RM1.65 per litre, Zone C2 fishermen are compelled to purchase diesel at the industrial price of RM5.52 per litre. This price difference has escalated operational costs for harvesting marine products, putting additional financial strain on these fishermen. "Zone C2 fishermen have to purchase diesel at the industrial price of RM5.52 per litre. They have appealed, and we are looking at the best way to assist them," Fadzil stated to reporters after the Rahmah Mesra Madani Programme with Kemasik Fishermen.

During the event, 31 fishermen from the Kemasik Area Fishermen's Association (PNK) were provided with assistance, including outboard engines, fishing nets, 100-litre insulation boxes, and life jackets. This support is part of a broader effort to alleviate the challenges faced by Zone C2 fishermen.

Fadzil noted that there are currently 733 Zone C2 fishing boats in operation across the nation, involving 9,598 fishermen. The fish landings from these boats amount to 168,511.8 tonnes annually. In comparison, other categories have 41,282 boats in Zone A, 4,161 in Zone B, and 2,997 in Zone C.

In another update, Fadzil reassured that despite several states experiencing a heatwave, the country's fish landings have remained unaffected, indicating stability in this sector despite challenging weather conditions.