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SANDAKAN: Malaysia is facing a shortage of experienced local skippers to handle fishing vessels, especially for deep-sea fishing activities, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

As such, he said, foreign skippers are employed by local deep-sea fishing operators.

“We have a shortage of skippers, especially for deep-sea fishing, which is quite significant. Without them, we will face a fish shortage.

“Hence, the need for the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) to look into the matter seriously. The need to send potential fishermen for training (as skippers) because our fishermen are now using the services of foreigners,” he said at a programme with the Sandakan fishermen, here, Monday.

He also said the current service of fishing skippers had to be extended to over 60 years because their skills and experience are still needed

“Therefore, the involvement of the younger generation is needed. Apart from education, experience is also important and it is appropriate for young people to gain knowledge about the sea life.”

LKIM Chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the agency always engaged with young fishermen and encouraged them to join the fishing training centre under the Fisheries Department.

“But, most of the young fishermen use traditional fishing methods. If they are interested in attending training, they can be skippers of deep-sea fishing vessels. Then, we do not have to rely on foreign skippers.

“Becoming a tekong (skipper) is not only about having the skill to operate deep-sea fishing vessels, but also the location where fish is abundant,” he said.

He also said LKIM is collaborating with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu to empower the fishing industry using new technology, including the use of drones. 

At the ceremony, Mohamad Sabu also presented mock cheques for the Sabah State Fishermen’s Livelihood Allowance allocation for 2024, the Fishermen’s House Repair Allocation under the Sabah State Fishermen’s Housing Special Project (PKPN) for 2024 and the Fishermen’s Livelihood Allowance (ESHN) in cash to 848 recipients who are eligible members of PNK Sandakan.

The 2024 Sabah State Fishermen’s Livelihood Allowance amounts to RM21.1 million involving a total of 7,502 fishermen throughout the State. 

The State Fishermen’s House Repair allocation under the Sabah State Fisherman’s Housing Special Project (PKPN) for the year 2024 amounts to RM1 million involving more than 60 fishermen’s houses, with a maximum rate of RM15,000 per house. 

Also presented was a mock cheque for the Sabah State B40 Fishery Capacity Improvement Programme allocation for 2024 worth RM450,000 involving 45 recipients from Sandakan and Tawau.