LANGKAWI: Some 300 fishermen from Kuala Chenang are urging the government to expedite the construction of an additional breakwater to address the frequent damage to their boats during the monsoon season.
The fishermen claimed to have reported the issue in writing to local leaders and authorities, yet no action has been taken in the past six years.
They claimed a RM3.2 million allocation for the 100m-long breakwater was approved by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during a gathering with fishermen at the base in February 2018.
Kuala Chenang myKomuniti Perikanan (myKP) chairman Ahmad Mahzan Ariff said the existing breakwater was ineffective in preventing strong waves from reaching the floating pontoon jetty used by the fishermen.
"The government must expedite the construction of the additional 100m-long breakwater, an extension of the current one, to prevent the moored boats from being damaged during the monsoon season.
"Without the additional breakwater, the fishermen have to move their boats into a nearby narrow river channel for shelter, but this presents challenges with tidal changes and heavy silt," he said when met here today.
Similarly Kuala Chenang myKP deputy chairman Roslan Ghazali said coastal fishermen are feeling the pinch when their boats are frequently damaged.
"To date, at least six fishing boats moored at the floating pontoon jetty have suffered severe damage, including being swept away and battered by strong waves during bad weather.
"Additionally, several accessories at the floating pontoon jetty have been badly damaged, including three broken and dislodged concrete pillars and loose bolts, posing further risks to the fishermen," he said.
Meanwhile, Kuah assemblyman Amar Pared Mahamud confirmed he had received complaints from fishermen in the area and sympathised with their struggles due to the frequent boat damage caused by strong waves.
"However, the issue raised by the fishermen falls under the responsibility of the federal government agency, the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM).
"I have raised this matter in the state legislative assembly, which is currently in session, to seek feedback on the issue raised by the fishermen from the relevant parties," he said when contacted today.