FISHERS JETTY IN SUNGAI TENGAH, CHANGKAT NEEDS TO BE UPGRADED

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) urges the Penang State Government, Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (LKIM) and other relevant agencies to take the initiative to resolve the problem faced by fishermen at the Sungai Tengah jetty, Changkat in Seberang Perai Selatan. The jetty here needs to be upgraded for the sake of the fishers’ well-being and safety.

The inshore fishermen in this area have been lacking basic amenities at this jetty for years, but until now no effective action has been taken by the responsible agencies although the fishermen had brought their problems to the attention of several parties numerous times.

SAM’s recent survey here found that besides lacking basic facilities such as electricity and water supply, the walkway for fishermen to land their catch is in a dilapidated condition and must be upgraded. In addition, the open space in front of the jetty and the entrance to the jetty have to be paved.

According to a number of fishermen here, the Sungai Tengah jetty in Changkat has now become a popular spot for anglers to rent boats and park their vehicles here. The jetty is not only popular with anglers from Penang but is also frequented by anglers from other states in Peninsular Malaysia. It is estimated that there are more than 50 boats in this jetty.

The fishermen claim that they have met many parties including the area’s State Assembly representative to ask for aid and allocations for upgrading of the jetty but lamented that till now there is no sign that their request for aid will be realized.

In view of this, SAM hopes that the relevant authorities will offer assistance and resolve the problems faced by the fishermen soon.

SAM suggests that the jetty is repaired and upgraded even with little allocation so that the fishermen here will not have to face difficulties in conducting their daily activities. This will certainly relieve them from their worries and troubles.

Press Statement, 26 October 2016