KIMANIS POLLS | The federal government has allocated RM500,000 to upgrade facilities at a fish landing pier in Bongawan, Sabah.

Bernama quoted Bongawan Fishermen Development Affairs chairperson Abu Bakar Jamil who thanked Agriculture and Agro-based Minister Salahuddin Ayub for the allocation said to benefit some 500 local fishermen.

"I represent the fishermen, especially in Bongawan, to thank the government for channelling this large allocation," Abu Bakar told Bernama today.

"We also hope the government is aware of a need to deepen the river and make it easier for fishing boats to go out to sea," he said.

Salahuddin had reportedly handed over a cheque replica for the allocation during a function in Bongawan on Friday - one day before nominations for the ongoing Kimanis parliamentary by-election.

Present was Bongawan assemblyperson Daud Yusuf who is also the assistant to Sabah state agriculture and food industries minister.

Abu Bakar, who also sits on the board of Papar District Fishermen Association, said the allocation to repair the jetty and upgrade fish storing facilities will be channelled soon.

He also described the allocation as a new hope for local fishermen to boost their income, after a wait of over 15 years.

At the function, Bernama also reported that Salahuddin had announced a separate RM90,000 allocation for fishermen from Kampung Biau, Bongawan, to repair an old jetty in the village.

The villages fall under the Bongawan state seat, one of two constituencies under the Kimanis parliamentary seat, the other being Membakut.

Aside from the allocations to upgrade fishing facilities, Salahuddin also reportedly handed over a cheque replica for RM3 million to the Papar District Fishermen Association - an RM1 million Economic Project Grant and RM2 million Building Purchase Grant.

He said the allocations were a sign of the government's commitment to ensure continuity of development plans for fishermen in the area, as well as to help boost their income.

Meanwhile, former Federal Territories Umno Youth chief Razlan Rafii took a swipe at Salahuddin for allegedly repeating the same tactics used during the last Tanjung Piai by-election to announce aides for fishermen.

He claimed that fishermen in Tanjung Piai were promised RM1,000 in aide but the promise was subsequently forgotten after Pakatan Harapan's loss to BN.

It was reported at the time that special assistance of RM1,000 would be given to 1,513 fishermen in Johor South who had been affected by development in the area.

Salahuddin had at the time defended the move to distribute cash handouts during a by-election, describing it as a promise by the late Tanjung Piai MP Md Farid Md Rafik, that could be fulfilled at any time.