KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — The National Fishermen's Association (Nekmat) hopes Budget 2025, to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim next month, will continue to provide petrol and diesel subsidies, as well as the cost of living allowance to the fishing community.
Its board of directors' chairman Abdul Hamid Bahari said this is to ensure the fishermen can cover the cost of their daily operations and continue to improve their standard of living.
"Nekmat has almost 100,000 members and we hope the government can continue to provide subsidised petrol and diesel to them, including in Sabah and Sarawak, and also to extend the facility to other fishermen who do not get it before.
"Without this subsidy, it will be challenging for fishermen to go out to sea, particularly for C2 class fishermen (deep-sea fishermen). Some of them are unable to fish because they cannot afford the high costs, as the price they receive for their catch is the same as for fishermen in Zones A, B, and C, who do benefit from petrol and diesel subsidies," he told Bernama.
Abdul Hamid said that continuing the petrol and diesel subsidy programme for fishermen can also help to stabilise the price of fish, boost the country's economic growth, and thus guarantee the well-being of the people.
He also hopes the cost of living allowance of RM300 per month will be extended to boat owners for Zones B and C.
"At the moment, boat owners and workers in Zones A receive the allowance, but for Zones B and C, only workers enjoy this assistance," Abdul Hamid said.
Budget 2025 will be tabled in Parliament on October 18.
— Bernama
