'Stay 500m away from oil rigs' advice

Kota Kinabalu: Fishermen are advised to stay 500 metres away from oil rigs as these are highly sensitive areas."We advise fishermen to avoid encroaching into these areas to prevent any untoward incident.

We want to ensure safety not only to fishermen but also to the people working at these facilities, and the community at large," First Admiral Mohd Zubil Mat Som, MMEA's Sabah and Labuan Maritime Director.

The advice was given at a Sabah maritime briefing. Sahabat Maritim is a collaborative effort between Petronas and MMEA since 2015.

The programme aims to address the dangers of fish bombing and fishing activities conducted within the 500-meter safety radius surrounding Malaysia's offshore operations through engagements with local communities.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

The briefing was attended by deep sea fishermen, vessel owners, maritime and fisheries authorities, and representatives from Petronas.

About 100 people attended the half-day event which was organised as part of the activities under the Sahabat Maritim programme, a collaborative initiative between Petronas and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

"Safety is our top priority," said Nor Hashim Yusoff, the Head of Health, Safety and Environment, Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), Petronas.

"Through the Sahabat Maritim programme, we are reaching out to fishermen, either coastal or deep sea, to encourage safe conduct at sea, and to refrain from going into or carrying out any activities within the 500-metre safety radius of offshore oil and gas facilities," he said.

The event is the third to be organised under the Sahabat Maritim in Sabah following the ones in Kampung Mundas Tungku, Lahad Datu, and Pulau Mantanani off Kota Belud, last year. Similar event had also been held in Labuan.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

The programme started with a briefing by Petronas, MMEA, Fisheries Department, and the Sabah Ports and Harbour Department, followed by a dialogue session with the fishermen and vessel owners.

Central to the discussion was the dangers posed by unsafe fishing activities such as fish bombing and encroachment into the 500-metre safety radius around offshore operations.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00