KOTA KINABALU: A mechanism to minimise maritime accidents and reduce encroachment into restricted areas by fishermen has been introduced.

       This involves the installation of 20 units of fish aggregating devices (FAD) placed at areas off Pulau Gaya here recently.

       A FAD is a man-made object used to attract ocean-going fish.

       This is a collaborative project by Petronas, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (FDAM).

       Petronas upstream strategic communications general manager Aimy Zairin Mohamed said the FAD project, which is part of Petronas and the MMEA’s Sahabat Maritim programme, aims to create an alternative fishing ground, away from restricted areas.

       He said these restricted areas were those near offshore oil and gas facilities.

       “Through the support of MMEA and FDAM, we were able to put in measures to ensure the safety of people around our areas of operation, which includes holding awareness programmes to minimise maritime accidents and encroachment into restricted areas, especially among the fishing community,” he said.

       Aimy said the FAD were deployed as an effort to provide alternative fishing areas away from restricted zones.

       During the FAD installation, Petronas also handed over 30 food baskets to those participating in the FAD project.

       Also present were Sabah and Labuan MMEA Enforcement and Maritime Exercises principal assistant director Mahkos Juing, Sabah FDAM deputy director Saliah Mudin and Sabah and Labuan Petronas head Siti Ayu Abdul Wahab.

       Sahabat Maritim is a safety outreach programme initiated in 2015 for coastal communities, especially those in Sabah and Labuan.

       It is aimed at providing educating on the dangers of vessel encroachment within the 500-metre safety radius of Petronas’ offshore operations.

       Many fishermen like to operate close to these facilities as there are more fish there.