Emulate fishermen in developed nations to protect fish resources

Fishermen in Kedah should emulate their counterparts in developed countries to help conserve fish resources by adhering to the regulations set.

Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said conserving fish resources was important for the present and future generations, and he hoped the incentives provided for fishermen would spur them to work harder to boost their catch.

"The Kedah Fishermen's Association (NEKAD) can play a role in guiding fishermen and become an effective go-between for fishermen and the relevant government departments and agencies," he said.

He also said that the fishermen in Kedah should modernise their methods of catching fish and managing their organisations, and adopt a new way of thinking.

Mukhriz was speaking at the launching of the state-level artificial reef programme and handing-over of fishermen's subsistence allowances at the North Kedah Fisheries Complex in Kuala Kedah, Sunday.

Mukhriz said the Kedah government took into account the advice and views related to fishery issues and fishermen to ensure the sector was viable, and provide economic returns and employment for the people of Kedah.

He said the private sector should also help the government raise awareness among the fishing community on environmental protection and conservation of fish resources.

Mukhriz thanked the federal government for approving an allocation of RM2.5 million to build artificial reefs in Kedah waters on April 5 last year.