BETONG: A total of 59 fishermen from Beladin here received new homes under the Beladin Fishermen Resettlement Project (PSN), a strategic initiative by the government to uplift the living standards of rural fishing communities.
The official key handover ceremony was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today.
During the event, Abang Johari engaged with the recipients, visited one of the newly completed homes, and distributed food baskets as a gesture of the state government’s ongoing support and concern for the wellbeing of the fishing community.
The PSN Beladin project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), the Sarawak State Government, Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), and the State Economic Planning Unit.
With a total allocation of RM21.25 million, the first phase saw the completion of 68 housing units at a cost of RM6.8 million, where 59 participants received their house keys and signed ownership agreements.
“The project is a strategic effort by the government to provide more comfortable, organised, and strategically located settlements for the fishing community, thereby enhancing their overall wellbeing and livelihood security.
“This initiative aligns with the aspirations of the Sarawak Government to uplift the wellbeing of its people, particularly the fishing community, which is a vital contributor to the state’s fisheries sector.
“It is hoped that the close cooperation between the Federal and State governments will continue to be strengthened to ensure the welfare of the fishing community is always safeguarded,” LKIM said in a statement.
It also said that this synergy is crucial in planning, implementing, and monitoring various development initiatives, including the provision of better housing, improvement of basic infrastructure, and the creation of new economic opportunities.
“Such ongoing collaboration is also expected to enhance the resilience of the fishing community in facing current and future challenges, in line with the goal of making the national fisheries sector more sustainable and competitive,” it added.
