Twenty out of 50 purse seiners and long-liners at the
Fisherman Ching Sai Min, 40, said many boats could not go out to sea as the operators could now only buy 1,000 liters of diesel per boat instead of 3,000 liters previously.
“The diesel quota imposed since January has caused a lot of hardship to the offshore fishing industry, and it has worsened over the last few days.
“Many fishermen cannot afford the high diesel price, which had increased from RM0.79 (29 US cents)per liter last year to RM1.30 (34 USD cents) per liter this year,†he said. “I hope the Government will consider our plight as many of us are unable to cover the high diesel costs with our average fish catch,†he said.
South Penang Fishermen’s Association general manager Aziz Ujang said his diesel quota to cater to the needs of 56 boats would be reduced from 740,000 liters to 80,000 liters next month.
“It is impossible to divide 80,000 liters among the 56 boats. The fishermen may end up fishing for only a week next month,†he said, adding that the association has about 1,600 members.
A diesel pipe was found padlocked at the
