PM Najib opens Sungai Sembilang LKIM fishermen's hub

He opened the hub, which was established by the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) to serve the local fishermen, in conjunction with the 'Jom Bantu Rakyat Kuala Selangor' (Let's Help Kuala Selangor Folk) programme, here.

At the event, Najib also handed over a mock cheque for RM3.28 million to Kampung Sungai Sembilang Fishermen's Association chairman Kamaruddin Saraf.

The money will be used for the monthly cost-of-living allowance to be distributed to 951 fishermen in the Kuala Selangor district.

Earlier, the Prime Minister joined several fishermen from the district for breakfast at the Sungai Sembilang LKIM jetty.

Accompanying Najib were Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar, several Selangor Barisan Nasional state assemblymen and LKIM chairman Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim.

Najib tasted the 'kuih lempeng' pancake popular with the fishermen besides having 'nasi lemak' and Malay traditional cakes.

The Prime Minister chatted with the fishermen and watched as they set out to sea.

Najib also talked to the committee members of the Sungai Sembilang Village Development and Security Committee whose chairman Muhammad Radzi Mahmud raised with him the need for public amenities in their area.

Approached by reporters later, Muhammad Radzi said the area was badly in need of a Rural Transformation Centre that houses the services of several government bodies, including enforcement agencies.

"We need more enforcement along the coast because our fishermen are exposed to the perils of trawlers, the use of nets that interfere with our catches and the theft of cockle spats.

"We need the presence of the Fisheries Department and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency," he said.

Muhammad Radzi also said that the availability of tour boats to promote agro-tourism and funds for cooperatives would also be helpful.

It is learnt that a Rural Transformation Centre can benefit more than 5,000 villagers there as well as the people of Kampung Tambak Jawa and Jeram.

Najib wound up his visit with a tour of the stalls selling fish and marine products at the Sungai Sembilang jetty, and left for Ijok to meet the people there.

Fishermen who attended the event said they were touched by the presence of the Prime Minister and expressed satisfaction with the federal government concern for their plight.

Sulaiman Abu Bakar, 58, said the cost-of-living allowance was of great help during the monsoon season or bad weather when fishermen were unable to go out to sea.

Abdul Rashad Abdul Jalil, 63, said the allowance was proof that the government placed the people first and was sensitive to the plight of fishermen whose income was uncertain.