Kota Kinabalu: The Kota Kinabalu Fishing Boat Owners Association (KKFBOA) voiced its disappointment over the abrupt notification received from Sabah Fish Marketing Sdn Bhd (Safma) regarding the temporary suspension of vessel operations and unloading of marine products for a week, from June 24 to 30, to facilitate the upgrading of its premises.
Safma’s General Manager, Syed Mohd Hafizan Roslan, said the temporary halt was described as a necessary measure to enhance the facilities and ensure the future comfort of users.
While Safma has made arrangements to relocate vessel operations and product unloading to the Sepanggar area during this period, the sudden nature of the announcement has left KKFBOA and its members in a state of distress.
Expressing appreciation for Safma’s efforts to improve the facilities and jetty, KKFBOA highlighted the challenges posed by the last-minute notification.
The association noted that the late notice had resulted in significant losses for boat owners, manufacturers and customers, particularly as many fishing vessels had set out to sea after Hari Raya Haji on June 17, unaware of the impending closure.
A spokesperson for KKFBOA conveyed the association’s efforts to engage with Safma management in the hope of shortening the closure duration or establishing a temporary unloading space to mitigate the impact on stakeholders.
However, no resolution was reached, leading to concerns about the logistical challenges faced by returning fishing vessels and the disruption to operations.
Addressing the ambiguity surrounding the alternative unloading location in Sepanggar, the spokesperson raised questions about the specific site, highlighting the lack of clarity for boat owners seeking suitable arrangements.
The association emphasised the critical need for early notification to enable adequate preparations and minimise financial losses for all parties involved.
KKFBOA underscored the potential repercussions of the closure on the local fish supply chain and urged Safma to consider the practical challenges faced by boat owners.
The association called for a shortened closure period of three days to facilitate better coordination of work schedules and ensure a more favourable outcome for all stakeholders involved.
With a plea for understanding and support from Safma and the broader public, KKFBOA seeks to address the concerns arising from the short notice and advocate for collaborative solutions that prioritize the interests of fishing boat owners, manufacturers and consumers in Kota Kinabalu.
