The Penang Fishermen Association (Pen Mutiara) wants the monthly federal government aid to be given out in cash only to avoid leakages.

Pen Mutiara chairperson Nazri Ahmad said the fisherfolk do not view the cash aid as "bribe".

"To us, the cash aid is appropriate as it is compensation for us as we leave our wives and children behind to face all sorts of difficulties at sea without a guarantee of bringing back any catch," Nazri told about 100 fisherfolk who attended the group's 33rd annual general meeting in Batu Maung.

"We want it in the form of cash as this would go directly to the fisherfolk. If it comes in another form, for example, rice bags, we may only receive half of it," claimed Nazri.

Penang executive councillor for health, agriculture, agro-based industries, and rural development, Dr Afif Bahardin officiated the meeting.

In his speech, Afif reiterated Agriculture Minister Salahuddin Ayub who said the RM300 monthly cash aid to fishermen would continue.

"However, the cash aid programme must be reviewed and improved as if we continue what the old government did, then we may only be around for five years," said the PKR Seberang Jaya assemblyperson.

Salahuddin had responded to remarks by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on June 22 that the allowance would be discontinued.

Mahathir later clarified that he was referring to the one-off "doubtful" incentive given to some 57, 000 fishermen by the previous BN government allegedly to gain favour from the community.

Afif assured the fisherfolk that the government understood their difficulties in meeting their monthly needs.

"The cash aid programme involves government expenditure so we have to make sure there are no leakages in these schemes," he said.