MERBOK, 8 January – The Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) has received over 20,000 applications for coastal fishing or ZONE A licenses, which are being forwarded to the Malaysian Fisheries Department for approval.

LKIM Chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil revealed that more than 8,000 coastal fishing licenses have already been approved from the total number of applications.

He explained that the licenses, which were previously suspended, were reintroduced in 2018 as part of an initiative to provide job opportunities and income for young fishermen, while also supporting the country’s food security and meeting its needs.

“We assessed the demand and need for Zone A licenses. LKIM ranked the applications and worked to assist, and thankfully, we are grateful to the Fisheries Department for approving a large number of licenses for fishermen,” said Faiz.

He made these comments following the Rahmah Mesra Madani Bersama Nelayan program at Kg Pengkalan Bujang.

In Kedah, there are 400 coastal fishing license applications, and in the Pengkalan Bujang fishing area, 27 applications have been submitted, with seven already approved.

Earlier, Faiz distributed "Touch Point" assistance, providing 14 life jackets to fishermen, and also handed out Daily Food Basket Assistance to 20 fishing families.