MUKAH: The implementation of a diesel-filling limit set to take effect from April 1 is expected to significantly impact seafood prices, potentially burdening consumers.
Most fishermen claim that restrictions on diesel supply will limit their operating range at sea, thereby reducing their daily catch.
According to a local fisherman, Atip Juini, 67, diesel usage among fishermen is high as they need to stay at sea for extended periods.
“Each trip to sea sometimes involves staying overnight for up to a week, and diesel usage can reach hundreds of litres. In some cases, a single refill can exceed 1,000 litres.
“With the imposed limit, we cannot travel far to search for fish and other seafood, which reduces our catch as we are unable to reach more distant fishing areas,” he said when met by a reporter on Friday.
He added that to continue traveling to farther areas, fishermen are forced to use non-subsidised diesel, which reduces their profit margins.
He explained that to obtain better yields, fishermen need to venture further from Mukah waters.
“However, with this limit, it becomes difficult as the quota is insufficient and surely burdens us.
“The boat engine also needs to be kept running continuously and cannot be switched off, causing high diesel consumption for each trip,” he added.
Atip also shared that for a single trip to sea, diesel usage of between 250 to 300 litres is common, but this amount is still insufficient for a round trip.
He said that the imposed limit not only affects fishermen’s income but also impacts fish supply in the market.
“When the catch decreases, fish prices have to increase. If prices go up, the public may not be able to afford them, and in the end, we are also affected as sales decline.
“This situation may also cause some fishermen to reduce the frequency of going out to sea because they cannot afford the rising operational costs.
“If this continues, fish supply in the market will decrease and affect consumers,” he added.
Meanwhile, he hopes the government will reconsider the implementation of the limit or at least increase the diesel quota.
“If possible, maintain it as before. We understand the government cannot bear everything, but we hope there are other initiatives so fishermen are not too affected in earning a living.
“If a limit must be imposed, perhaps it could be increased to 500 litres so that sea operations can continue more smoothly,” he added.
