A total of 657 special sampan licences have been approved after the Johor Fisheries Department carried out a vetting programme in 2021.
State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said from this number, a total of 75 licences had been handed over to fishermen in Mersing after nearly a two-year wait.
“Handing over the licences is a positive step in strengthening the fishing industry, where fishermen can increase their productivity by managing fishing resources effectively.
“I am also confident they can face the challenges in this sector and ensure a brighter future, thus ensuring that the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 and National Food Security Policy can be achieved by 2030,” he said during the special licence presentation programme here today.
Also present were Johor Fisheries director Zainudin Abd Wahab and fishermen from four bases, namely Penyabong, Endau, Tanjung Leman and Mersing.
Zahari said, at the same time, the growth and viability of the fishing sector required the group to change the traditional and old ways (of fishing) to a more commercial and sustainable one.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency