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LABUAN: A Labuan Fishermen’s Association will soon be established to benefit over 800 fishermen on the duty-free island. 

Labuan MP Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman said the establishment of this state-level association was long overdue and that the association would be registered as soon as possible.

“There has been considerable misunderstanding about the need to establish the Labuan Fishermen Association, which has left many issues plaguing local fishermen unresolved,” he said, Saturday, following the Labuan Fishermen Association pro tem committee’s extraordinary meeting at the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Complex in Kiamsam.

He said the meeting was held following a directive from the Labuan LKIM Director to gain support from the Northern Region Fishermen’s Association and the Southern Area Fishermen’s Association. 

Currently, associations representing the fishermen are divided between these two groups, both under the Sabah Fishermen’s Association (Pengasah).

Dr. Suhaili said it made sense to merge these two associations into a single entity as Labuan is a federal territory. 

He said he plans to meet with the Agriculture and Food Security Minister to expedite the establishment of the Labuan Fishermen’s Association.

Earlier, Suhaili announced an allocation of RM20,000 to each fishermen’s association from the Labuan MP’s fund.

Meanwhile, the Jom Bijak Internet Carnival at Kampung Bukit Kuda, here, witnessed an overwhelming turnout from the local community, with more than 1,000 people arriving as early as 7am. 

The one-day event, organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), attracted not only adults and villagers but also school-going children, reflecting its wide appeal and the community’s eagerness to enhance their cyber awareness.

This lively carnival, aimed at promoting cyber awareness and Internet safety, featured booths and interactive sessions by several local government agencies, including the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), Information Department, Zakat Collection Centre (PPZ), National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama). 

There were also talks on Internet security, cyber responsibility and cybercrime, including the MyCyberGenius quiz, which tested participants’ knowledge of cybersecurity, turning learning into a fun and competitive experience. 

Visitors were particularly drawn to the interactive sessions, with attendees eagerly engaging with speakers and asking pertinent questions.

Housewife Normala Aziz, 49, expressed her gratitude for the carnival, highlighting its role in raising awareness about cybercrime and online scams. 

“I must thank MCMC for organising this educational and awareness programme that can help us be more aware of online scamming and Internet security,” she said, while self-employed Arifin Abdul, 56, noted the carnival’s significant impact on local villagers’ internet usage habits. 

“With the talks given today, I’ll be more wary about the dangers of Internet misuse. 

“I will be monitoring my children to ensure they use the Internet wisely and be more cautious when receiving unknown calls to prevent getting scammed,” he said.