BELURAN: Fishermen in the district will have a new association building following the allocation of RM528,000 to purchase of a shop lot which will be turned into the Beluran Area Fishermen’s Association (PNK) office.

       Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said the allocation was one of the government’s efforts to ensure the sustainability of the country’s food supply through the fisheries sector.

       “This allocation is meant for the Beluran and Sugut fishermen associations, and we hope more fishermen will register as members so that they can also benefit from future programmes and aid given by the government” he said after handing the Sara Hidup Nelayan Allowance (ESHN) payment to fishermen under the Beluran PNK here on Monday (June 13).

       A total of 619 Beluran PNK members received the assistance involving an allocation of RM176,000.

       Kiandee who is also Beluran MP said some RM22mil in ESHN assistance has been channelled to 7,671 fishermen in Sabah this year.

       He said the allowance for eligible fishermen had been revised from RM250 to RM300 per month since January last year.

       “Apart from monthly allowances, the government is also assisting the fishing community by providing funds for fishing and boat licences, to repair broken homes, infrastructures such as bridges and so on.

       “These efforts show the government’s commitment to help the various communities in the country,” he said.