KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 31 (Bernama) — The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) will build modern boats for use by class A and B fishermen towards improving their economy and living standard.

Its deputy minister, Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim said the ministry had given a grant of RM3.5 million to Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) to build prototype modern fishing boats which were expected to be ready in a year.

“Currently, we are still using the old types of boats involving class A and B, made of cengal wood. We know that the price of wood, especially cengal, is high and the supply is depleting.

“Building modern fishing boats is faster and cheaper and by using modern technology, these boats are lighter and do not require a big engine and if there is any repairs to be done, it will be fast,” he said at a news conference, here, today.

He added that these modern boats would be equipped with fishing technology and be combined with satellite technology to detect areas with a high fish population, based on colour sensing from the satellite images.

Ahmad Amzad said that with completion of the prototype fishing boats, MOSTI would be consulting the Malaysia Fisheries Department for the fishermen to test the boats.

“If such boats are suitable for use, MOSTI will be cooperating with the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry for a boat ownership scheme be drawn up through the provision of an incentive for class A and B fishermen who wish to change their fishing method to a modern one,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency