THE Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has given its assurance that the current hot weather affecting the country will not affect the ability of farmers, fishermen and breeders to produce and supply food.

Its minister Mohamad Sabu, however, said the ministry would continue to monitor the situation and conduct studies from time to time.

“So far, we have not received any reports of insufficient food supplies as the hot weather is at the initial stage and we still have commodities in stock.

“We will continue to monitor the situation as this hot weather is expected to last until August.

“I advise farmers, fishermen and breeders to take care of their health and take precautionary measures when they go to the field,” he told reporters after the Majlis Jalinan Mesra Madani with fishermen in Pasir Puteh today.

Meanwhile, Mohamad said the government has approved RM600,000 for the construction of three fish habitat sites in Kelantan, namely the Tumpat, Bachok and Kota Baru area fishermen’s associations, which will benefit 3,785 fishermen.

“I would also like to announce that a project to repair jetties in Kuala Kemasin, Kelantan, has been approved with an allocation of RM200,000, which will benefit 150 fishermen.

“We also hope that the ice factory built by the National Fishermen’s Association in Tok Bali, which started its operation in March, will assist fishermen in the area to get enough ice to ensure that the quality of the fish is maintained before it reaches the consumer,” he said.

He said that the growth and viability of the fisheries sector due to constant technological change requires fishermen to change their traditional way of fishing to a more commercial and sustainable way.

“We are working to advance the production of fishery products by establishing fish landing sites, modernising fishing vessels and providing fishing aids such as nets, life jackets and others.

“All the policies and programmes that the government is working on will not be achieved simply by brainstorming. They need to be carefully planned, well-executed and their development monitored,” he said. – Bernama, May 13, 2023.