The government will not entertain the demand of about 1,000 C2 trawlers in Pahang, Johor and Perlis who are on strike for the reconsideration of the super diesel subsidy.      

Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said they should not be doing so as the subsidy was only reduced and not completely withdrawn which made their price still very much lower than industrial standards.      

The current price is RM1.80 per litre compared to RM1.25 previously.     

He was speaking after the Umno Tanjong Karang delegates meeting today attended by Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Noh Omar, who is also the division head.   

Ismail Sabri said the C2 trawlers were deep sea vessels which earned big profits compared to fishermen in A, B and C zones.     

The three-day strike started yesterday with the operators threatening to prolong it if the government did not accede immediately.     

Sabri said, the matter could be discussed but the ministry would not bow to threats.     

Meanwhile, Noh said his ministry would request the Fisheries Department to import more fish from neighbouring countries and increase import licences to do so should the strike continue.     

Noh also warned fishermen from A, B and C zones not to get involved in the strike as their subsidies were intact or their licences would be revoked.             

- Bernama