KUANTAN:The Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) jetty in Kemunting has turned around the lives of fishermen since it started operations in 1988.
District Fishermen Association chairman Tuan Sulong Tuan Jusoh said the project allowed fishermen to sell their catch directly to customers for higher income.
He said the jetty served as a transit for their catch before it was exported elsewhere.
“On behalf of 1,260 members, I thank the Barisan Nasional government for always helping us.
“Besides the jetty, the government has also introduced incentives and aid, such as living allowances during monsoon seasons, diesel subsidies and incentives to repair boats.”
He said before the jetty was built, most fishermen could earn only RM4 per kg by selling fish through middlemen.
But, he added, after the jetty began operations, they could sell fish directly to customers at RM10 per kg.
He said before, many fishermen were below the poverty line as they had to go through middlemen.
“Just imagine, we lose RM6 for each kilogramme.
“If it is 100kg (of fish), then how much can middlemen make? They do not need to go out to sea and face risks.
“When the government introduced the ‘jihad’ programme to remove middlemen, we were grateful.
“This is proof that they (the go-vernment) are concerned about our problems.”
The state government, with the cooperation of the Federal government, has built landing jetties in Kampung Balok, Kampung Peramu, Kampung Cherok Paloh and Tanjung Api.
On the construction of the second bridge in Tanjung Lumpur, Tuan Sulong said the project was timely due to congestion on the existing bridge.
“Nowadays, traffic is heavy in the mornings and evenings, with children going to school and people travelling to work.
“The new bridge will boost the economy here and ease travel for the public.”