Kota Kinabalu: In a show of grassroots commitment to the local fishing community, 150 B40 fishermen from Tanjung Aru, Sembulan, and Pulau Gaya received life jackets, signal lights and other maritime safety accessories.
The donation, sponsored by Dr Ritchie Jay Cheng in collaboration with Tanjung Aru Gagasan Rakyat Division Chief Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah, aimed to address long-standing safety issues among small-scale fishermen.
“Sabah is well known for its fresh and abundant seafood, making the fisheries sector a vital part of our state economy. This reputation would not exist without the enormous contribution of our fishermen, especially those from Tanjung Aru.
“That is why the welfare and safety of our fishermen must be safeguarded. The donation of life jackets, lights and other safety gear to licensed fishermen is part of our effort to improve safety standards for those going out to sea, especially since many here previously lacked basic safety equipment,” Dr Ritchie said.
He also praised the State government’s latest move in establishing the Sabah Blue Economy Council, led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, calling it a major step in advancing marine-related sectors like fisheries, maritime transport, marine tourism and aquaculture in a sustainable way.
“This council will serve as a strategic platform to strengthen marine sectors in a more coordinated and sustainable manner. It shows the Sabah Government’s strong commitment to unlocking our ocean’s full potential for the benefit of the people,” he added.
As a key component party in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), he said Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) fully supports pro-people policies and initiatives of this nature.
“With a clear mandate for the GRS candidate in Tanjung Aru in the upcoming 17th state election, I believe we can expand programmes like this and further stimulate the economic future of our marine and tourism sectors,” he said.
He added that they are not only focused on securing the future of our fishing communities, but also committed to boosting the tourism potential of Tanjung Aru, which hosts two five-star hotels that are Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Sutera Harbour Resort, both major attractions for tourists.
“Sabah must not only be recognised for the wealth of its seas, but also for how well we protect and uplift the people behind that wealth, our fishermen and the communities who are the heartbeat of the state’s economy,” he said.
