PUTRAJAYA will continue the monthly living allowance for fishermen and rice farmers, said Agriculture and Agro-based Minister Salahuddin Ayub.

He said the stipend will also be increased when the economy permits.

He said his ministry is lobbying for each recipient to get RM300 a month under Budget 2020.

Under Budget 2019, the ministry received less funds, leading to the monthly allowance to be cut from RM300 to only RM150. 

After Salahuddin went to talk to the prime minister and finance minister, the amount was increased to RM200.

The reduced allowance had upset recipients – more than 40,000 fishermen and 320,000 rice farmers nationwide.

“I have told the ministry that for Budget 2020, we will have to ask for the living allowance to be fixed at RM300 a month, at least. This is our commitment.

“God’s willing, if the economy recovers fast, and we are able to cut wastage and keep corruption at the minimum, there should be no problem for the government to increase the amount in the future,” he said.

Salahuddin was speaking during a town hall meeting at the Fisheries Research Institute in Batu Maung, Penang, with local fishermen and agro-based industry players today.

He also said the ministry would continue to ensure the allowance went to deserving fishermen and farmers.

“But it does not mean our doors are closed completely. Those dropped as recipients but think they deserve the aid, can seek endorsements from their community leaders or elected reps to support their appeal.”

Salahuddin said the cabinet might also announce some aid for farmers in view of the hot and dry weather, as well as the fall in rubber and oil palm prices.

He also spoke about the trespassing by foreign trawlers, a problem highlighted by several fishermen during the town hall meeting.

Earlier, Nazri Ahmad, chairman of the Penang Fishermen’s Association, said more resources were needed to resolve the trespassing problem.

Salahuddin said he would seek a meeting with the prime minister to discuss the problem.

He said there were daily complaints of illegal trawlers, but they were good at hiding from the authorities.

“The Fisheries Department has boats, but too few to take action. Handling trespassing trawlers lies with that agency.” – March 12, 2019.