KUCHING: The Malaysia Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YaPEIM) plans to set up initiatives to help increase the productivity of fishermen through its Centre of Economic Growth (CEG) programme.
These initiatives will include providing equipment such as portable freezers, giving access to Ar-Rahnu service, and setting up grocery shops in 30 coastal areas state-wide.
Its director-general/CEO Datuk Abibullah Samsudin said the foundation will also make the effort to assist fishermen to explore deep sea fishing grounds beyond 200 nautical miles for better harvest.
“Deep sea areas in our country have not yet to be exploited by local deep-sea fishermen although they know that harvest can be bountiful,” he told during press conference at Waterfront Hotel here yesterday.
He also informed that Ar-Rahnu service is an effort to reduce middlemen’s interference, which often led to the manipulation prices and market.
“Ar-Rahnu service by YaPiem Traders union (Koperasi YaPIEM Berhad) will include setting up grocery shops and courier service for fishermen to sell and post their catch without the involvement of middlepersons.
“In Sarawak, we have twelve Ar-Rahnu branches,” he said.
Abibullah said YaPEIM will set up subsidised fuel pump stations for the fisherfolk to reduce the cost of transportation.
“In certain areas, fishermen have to journey 30km just to get fuel at registered petrol stations.
“Through our engagement with Petro Teguh Sdn Bhd as the main fuel supplier in rural areas, we hope setting up petrol pumps for subsidised fuel can help fishermen reduce unnecessary cost,” he said.
