Kuantan: The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) is set to take decisive action against fishermen associations involved in the misuse of subsidised diesel, including the closure of fuel sales centres that breach regulations. LKIM's chairman, Muhammad Faiz Fadzil, emphasized the authority's zero-tolerance stance on such misconduct and mentioned that cases would be referred to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) for necessary legal proceedings.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad Faiz stressed that fishermen associations dealing in diesel sales need to comprehend that subsidies are government allocations intended to alleviate operational costs rather than entitlements. He warned that non-compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) could result in investigations and fines, causing financial losses to the associations themselves. These remarks were made during the Rahmah Mesra MADANI with Pahang Fishermen 2026 program at Pantai Sepat.
Muhammad Faiz highlighted the importance of adhering to SOPs to ensure that subsidies are not misused and reach eligible fishermen. His comments followed the Kuala Selangor Sessions Court's decision to impose a RM320,000 fine on the Sungai Besar Area Fishermen Association for misappropriating subsidised diesel meant for fishermen two years ago.
In addition, he noted that the government is bolstering efforts to secure an adequate fish supply during the monsoon season, which may disrupt fishing activities along the East Coast due to rough seas and adverse weather. He explained that East Coast fishermen could still operate in deeper zones, while coastal activities face greater challenges.
The national fish supply will be supplemented by sources from the West Coast and northern Peninsular Malaysia, with support from private sector entities to release stored stocks into the market during the monsoon period, including imported fish. Muhammad Faiz also encouraged fishermen to explore aquaculture as an alternative income source, such as small-scale fish farming in tanks, which now involves reduced costs.
Furthermore, the government offers a RM300 monthly cost-of-living assistance to fishermen to help mitigate their financial challenges.