1,200 fishermen stage demo calling for aid to continue
Published on: Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Sandakan: Some 1,200 members of the Sandakan Regional Fishermen Association (PNK) staged a peaceful demonstration here, Monday, asking the Government not to stop their livelihood allowance, fish landing incentive of 10 sen, fuel subsidy and others relating to their welfare that they have been receiving all this while. Its Chairman Saiful Bahari Muin said at the National Fishermen Association (Nikmat) level, a memorandum on the matter was submitted to the ministry concerned following rumours on the abolishment of assistance for fishermen. He said they were worried that if their allowance and other assistance were stopped, their livelihood will be greatly affected.
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The Sandakan PNK also hoped it will continue to be the retailer and Ko-Nelayan the wholesaler of fuel here. "We were disappointed with a recent statement by a certain quarter that several PNKs in the State are now inactive and that two of Sandakan PNK jetties are no longer operational when actually they are still active," he told reporters after the peaceful demo at the Sandakan Community Hall right after a ceremony to present them livelihood allowance. Saiful, who is also a member of Nikmat Board of Directors and Sabah Fishermen Association (Pengasah), said they hoped the PNK will continue to be given the right as retailer of fuel because it is part of the PNK business which gives job opportunities and income to members. Saiful and all Sandakan PNK members hoped Ko-Nelayan will discuss with the PNK first before issuing any statement that can cause worry among the people, especially fishermen, in the State.
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