Deep-sea fishermen and trawler boat operators should be thankful to the government for the subsidies they enjoy, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Noh Omar.

Noh's statement comes at a time when deep-sea fishermen's catch amounted to a mere 20 percent, paling in comparison to the supply by coastal fishermen, who contribute 80 percent of seafood in the market.

fisherman nelayan 250107 fishermen coming with catch For the past four days, about 1,000 fishermen and trawler boat operators in Kuantan, Johor and 3Perlis have refused to go out to sea, demanding super-subsidy diesel.

"Coastal fishermen should get more subsidy because they bring back more seafood. Deep-sea fishermen bring back little but get a lot of aid," said Noh.

"To continue (the subsidy), it is unfair to the coastal fishermen who are operating on a smaller scale and bigger cost," he said.

Among the subsidies given are fuel quotas in which deep-sea fishermen are reserved 24,000 to 28,000 litres of diesel a month.

In contrast, coastal fishermen are reserved 2,000 to 15,000 litres a month.

According to Noh, the deep-sea fishing industry also receives a higher incentive, 20sen for every kilogramme (kg) of their yield, while the coastal suppliers only receive an incentive of 10sen.

"We give a lot of subsidy, we give fuel subsidy but the returns are low. So is it fair for the deep-sea fishermen to be subjected to the same diesel subsidy, when they are an industry?" he asked.

Complaints of subsidies-diesel sold to foreigners

After the subsidy rationalisation measure taken last week, deep-sea fishermen and C2 Class trawler operators must pay RM1.80 per litre of diesel, compared to RM1.25 previously.

Noh said the subsidy was not completely slashed because they still receive a subsidy of RM1.00 as the market rate is RM 2.80 per litre.

fisherman nelayan 250107 caught fish in net This cut in subsidies came about because the government had heard many complaints of subsidised diesel and the catch of the deep-sea fishermen being sold-off to foreigners while at sea.

Noh added that, out of 1,028 deep-sea fishermen, 279 abided by the government's decision and did not protest.

He also lashed out at the media for portraying the government as uncompromising in the current situation and within the larger issue.

Referring to criticisms from across the political divide that the ministry had taken a tough stance in handling the situation, Noh said:

"Media is making all kinds of provoking statements, it is not that the government will not compromise.

"We will discuss but the condition that these C2 Class fishermen will bring more seafood catch back and also install a tracking system. We can also increase the incentives for their catch."

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