PAPAR: Pantai Manis Assemblyman Datuk Pengiran Sarifuddin Pengiran Tahir Petra reiterated his call for Sabah Parks to consider allowing traditional and coastal fishermen to seek shelter at Pulau Tiga without facing any enforcement action.
He said the matter is crucial to ensure the safety of small-scale fishermen, especially when confronting with rough seas during the monsoon season.
“Although Pulau Tiga has been gazetted as a protected area under Sabah Parks, some flexibility should be given in emergency situations as the fishermen’s presence there is not for fishing purposes.
“This matter has been raised previously in the State Legislative Assembly and I have also met with the relevant minister (the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry) to find a solution.
"We understand that the area (Pulau Tiga) has been gazetted, so that is the legal position. However, we are seeking consideration from the authorities (Sabah Parks) as fishermen only go there to take shelter during rough seas, not to fish. Thus, no action should be taken against them,” he said.
Saifuddin said this after officiating the 23rd annual general meeting of Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan (PNK) Papar here.
Also present were Malaysia Fishermen Development Authority (LKIM) Sabah director Mohd Jamil bin Abdullah, PNK Papar Chairman Aji Khamis bin Jat, Community Development Leader for Pantai Manis Rahman Latip and over 100 members of PNK Papar.
Saifuddin also stressed that coastal fishermen in the Papar area are traditional fishermen who rely solely on small boats, making them more vulnerable to adverse weather conditions in open waters.
He hoped a more humane approach can be adopted by the authorities to ensure the welfare of fishermen is safeguarded without compromising existing regulations.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin proposed deployment of artificial reefs to boost fish populations in the area, which would benefit local small-scale fishermen.
He noted that the fishing grounds in the district here, are very limited, resulting in declining marine catches and affecting the income of local fishermen.
“We have engaged with the State Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, including the Minister and Ko-Nelayan, regarding this artificial reef proposal, and I understand that LKIM will also implement the project.
“It is also understood that Petronas and several related agencies have recently deployed artificial reefs, known as ‘fish parks’, to increase fish populations, and we hope this can be implemented in this area as well,” he said.
At the same time, he said the placement of artificial reefs could help prevent trawlers from fishing in coastal waters, which are designated as prohibited zones for marine harvesting.
Saifudin added that the presence of such trawlers has led to the destruction of coastal marine biodiversity, affecting the catches of local small-scale fishermen who are only permitted to fish in those areas.
“Therefore, I urge the authorities to enforce stricter measures, including more frequent patrols, to curb the illegal activities of these trawlers,” he stressed.
Saifuddin also called on the PNK Papar here to be more proactive by developing more downstream seafood products to further strengthen the income and economy of fishermen in the area.
