MALAYSIA, PUTRAJAYA 16 June 2025 – Following the engagement session with the fishing community of the West Coast Zone alongside the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad Sabu, and his team in March, Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi chaired today’s meeting of the High-Level Committee for the Development and Empowerment of Fishermen (JPT-PPN), marking a pivotal step towards a comprehensive transformation of the national fisheries sector. This sector, which involves over 144,000 fishermen, is a cornerstone of national food security.
The first meeting of 2025, attended by various ministries and agencies, discussed strategic measures to enhance fishermen’s income, strengthen the subsidy system, and ensure the sustainability of marine resources.
Key initiatives discussed include the implementation of the Fishermen’s Economic Transformation Project Through Aquaculture (TEMAN-AKUA): Aquaculture for B40 Fishermen in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Perlis, involving 1,100 unlicensed fishermen. With an allocation of RM5 million, this program is expected to generate returns of up to RM50 million annually and increase household income to RM10,000 per month.
The government will also establish an institution in Lumut to empower fishermen through skills, entrepreneurship programs, and grants of up to RM200,000, aimed at reducing reliance on foreign crew.
Two new schemes worth RM300 million have been approved under the 13th Malaysia Plan, namely the Fisheries Capture Incentive Financing Scheme and the Matching Grant Scheme for replacing trawl nets and existing boats towards more sustainable fishing practices. Simultaneously, diesel subsidies through SKDS 2.0 continue to be targeted more efficiently and transparently following the success of Ops TIRIS, which saved the country over RM400 million in leakages.
Engagement with the fishing community has identified 37 key issues, with 46 percent already resolved. The remainder is being addressed in phases.
To all fishing communities across the nation, rest assured that we will not compromise on leakages. We will continue to focus on targeted policies, empower you as key players in the national food ecosystem, and lead this industry forward with greater courage and resilience.
