KUCHING: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI) will collaborate with the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development (MANRED) to develop the deep sea fishing industry in Sarawak.
MAFI minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said this collaboration was in line with the handover of the Sarawak Deep Sea Fisheries Licensing Empowerment Letter.
“Through the Joint Development Committee, which is established by both ministries, MAFI will discuss and refine programmes and projects covering all agro-food sub-sectors, including the development of Sarawak’s fishing industry.
“This collaboration will advance Sarawak’s agro-food sector while strengthening the food supply security for the wellbeing of Malaysians.”
He was speaking at the handover ceremony here today. Ronald pointed out that Sarawak’s fishing industry had a high potential to be further developed.
“For that, the federal government intends to increase the use of modern vessels to exploit existing resources.
“Currently, there are only 10,828 fishermen and 5,103 vessels, producing a total of 125,000 metric tonnes of fish per year valued at over RM716mil.
“The addition of deep-sea vessels and the sustainable management of fishery resources throughout our territorial waters will continue to guarantee supply of fish.
“Aside from that, we can also develop various other services that can increase the economic situation of our fishermen.”
