MUKAH: Local fishermen can become the “eyes and ears” of the authorities that protect Sarawak waters from illegal fishing and encroachment by foreign fishermen.
Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi said they could tell the authorities when they come across foreigners fishing in the state’s waters or when they notice the presence of pirates.
“However, they must be very careful so as not to become victims of criminal acts such as kidnap for ransom which we heard often happened in Sabah,” he said when officiating at 2019 Maritime Friend Programme (Program Sahabat Maritm 2019) at Kampung Litong community hall here yesterday.
He called the Kampung Litong people lucky because through the programme, MMEA had built a good jetty for fishermen in the village.
“It is hoped that the jetty would not only benefit the fishermen but also the villagers as a whole,” he said, adding that the amenity must be maintained from time to time.
The programme was organised by MMEA Bintulu in collaboration with Petronas Carigali Sdn
Bhd, Press Metal Sdn Bhd and Kampung Litong Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).
At the function, he presented prizes to winners of various sports and social activities organised
during the programme.
