BETONG: Fourteen fishermen from Bukit Saban constituency received modern fishing equipment worth RM20,000 each under a programme by the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) to help increase their catch and income.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the assistance will boost productivity through modern tools such as boats, outboard engines and efficient fishing gear.
“The purpose of this assistance is to help our river fishermen use better, more modern equipment.
“We hope this will enable them to improve their catch and raise their income,” he said during the handover ceremony at the Spaoh sub-district agriculture office on Monday (Nov 11).
Uggah, who is also the Bukit Saban assemblyman, said the initiative is part of BDDA’s rural economic development plan to support target groups such as fishermen, smallholders and livestock breeders in escaping poverty.
He added that BDDA also encourages recipients to explore alternative income sources such as freshwater fish farming and aquaculture projects.
“This will not be the last form of assistance. We want them to be bold enough to seize other opportunities. For example, at Bebuling Agropark, we will soon begin a freshwater lobster farming project in collaboration with local companies.
“Local fishermen and farmers can participate and become part of the production chain,” he said.
Uggah noted that the project is expected to open new export markets and generate higher incomes for rural communities involved in aquaculture and product marketing.
He also reminded recipients to make full use of the government’s assistance and remain active in their economic activities.
“The government can provide the funds, boats and engines, but if you don’t go out to the river, the fish won’t come to shore. You must work hard — rain or shine,” he said.
After the ceremony, Uggah held a briefing session with recipients to gather feedback and suggestions on strengthening the economic resilience of riverine communities in Bukit Saban.
