BUTTERWORTH: IT'S fair weather ahead for about 300 fishermen in Bagan Ajam, thanks to a RM43 million Federal government infrastructure project.
For years, mud on the coastline has prevented the fishermen from going out to sea during low tide.
This has cost them dearly as their income shrink in tandem with their catch.
This is why the fishermen are counting the days until the project, which includes the construction of a 250m concrete jetty and water breaks, is completed.
The project will also resolve the long-standing issues of coastal erosion and sea mud.
Scheduled for completion next year, the project is owned by the Drainage and Irrigation Department and implemented by Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB).
The project is in answer to the fishermen's proposal, which was spearheaded by Tasek Gelugor MP Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, who is also the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.
Bagan Ajam Fishermen Unit chief Mazlan Abdul, 44, said the project was a blessing for not only the fishermen, but the whole community.
He foresees a social and economic transformation for the Bagan Ajam fishing community, with the project as the catalyst.
"It is plain that the fishermen are very excited about the project. They monitor its progress, and talk about nothing else," he said.
With the concrete jetty, the fishermen would no longer be at the mercy of the tides, and would be able to go out to sea more often.
"By landing their catch early, they would also be able to earn more," said Mazlan.
He said the jetty would also attract anglers to Bagan Ajam, which will create business opportunities for the local community.
Mazlan said the fishermen were also appealing to the federal government for an integrated complex, where they can sell their catch directly to the customers and do away with the middleman.
He said the complex would also enable the fishermen to market seafood-based products such as dried fish.
"This will create business opportunities for the 35 fishermen's wives and about 60 youths here."
Mazlan said they were also hoping that the project would also reinstate Pantai Bersih's position as the favourite spot for picnics.
Scheduled for completion next year, the project is owned by the Drainage and Irrigation Department and implemented by Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB).
The project is in answer to the fishermen's proposal, which was spearheaded by Tasek Gelugor MP Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, who is also the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.
Bagan Ajam Fishermen Unit chief Mazlan Abdul, 44, said the project was a blessing for not only the fishermen, but the whole community.
He foresees a social and economic transformation for the Bagan Ajam fishing community, with the project as the catalyst.
"It is plain that the fishermen are very excited about the project. They monitor its progress, and talk about nothing else," he said.
With the concrete jetty, the fishermen would no longer be at the mercy of the tides, and would be able to go out to sea more often.
"By landing their catch early, they would also be able to earn more," said Mazlan.
He said the jetty would also attract anglers to Bagan Ajam, which will create business opportunities for the local community.
Mazlan said the fishermen were also appealing to the federal government for an integrated complex, where they can sell their catch directly to the customers and do away with the middleman.
He said the complex would also enable the fishermen to market seafood-based products such as dried fish.
"This will create business opportunities for the 35 fishermen's wives and about 60 youths here."
Mazlan said they were also hoping that the project would also reinstate Pantai Bersih's position as the favourite spot for picnics.
Read more: Bagan Ajam to rise from the mud - Northern - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/northern/bagan-ajam-to-rise-from-the-mud-1.174846#ixzz2Cyr1ojhA
