Temporary work permits for foreigners in fishing industry deferred

The government has deferred the implementation of temporary work permits (PLKS) for the recruitment of foreign workers in the fishing industry.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the decision to defer PLKS, slated for March 1, followed appeals by various parties, including deep sea fishing operators.

"I hope that with the assistance provided by the government and the deferment of PLKS, the fishermen, especially in Zone A and B, can assist to lower the price of fish.

"The fishermen receive fuel subsidies, cost of living allowance and fishing incentives but the price of kembong is still at RM20 per kilogramme.

"This means that the price of fish is still expensive," he said at a ceremony to present the cost of living allowance to 1,261 fishermen amounting to RM339,300 for Hilir Perak district in Hutan Melintang today.

Zahid said the government was aware of the problems faced by fishermen such as dwindling catch and the enforcement of maritime laws by the authorities.

In the event, he also presented a mock cheque for RM11.3 million, being assistance from the government, to Bagan Datuk Fishermen's Association.

The deferment of PLKS followed meetings with the secretary-general of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry (MOA) and director of the Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM).

The National Fishermen's Association had submitted a memorandum on the PLKS and wanted the government to retain the current recruitment system of foreign workers in the fishing industry.

- Bernama