Pahang Fishermen Assocation denies allegation of below RM400 income

Its chairman Zulkiflee Yusof also described the statement as ''outrageous'' and seemed to be looking down at the fishermen apart from the fact that the fishermen''s income was subjective.

"The income of fishermen is a subjective matter. If they work hard, are diligent and always go down to the sea, their income must be more than those who don''t go down as often (to the sea).

"We can also see the government''s concern and efforts to improve the lives of fishermen by giving RM300 monthly allowance and other incentives such as creating housing project for fishermen," he said.

Zulkiflee said this at a press conference at the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) jetty here today, which was attended by the LKIM state deputy director Nazrulzam Jamil and Penerpa general manager Sao''di Mahussin.

He was responding to the allegation from Kuala Terengganu Member of Parliament Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad who said that the income of many fishermen in the villages was still at RM400 per month, and this drew objections from various fishermen''s associations across the country.

Zulkiflee added thus far, he had never received a complaint in relation to a RM400 income from any of the 4,000 members of Penerpa.