01/06/2025

NATIONAL 4 ON SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025

Fishermen urged to enter marketing to boost income

No-waiting zones for five George Town roads GEORGE TOWN: Five main streets around George Town have been declared no waiting zones from today to reduce traffic congestion caused by vehicles stopping at the roadside. The Penang Island City Council announced in a Facebook post that the move follows reduced lane capacity due to stationary vehicles, which has led to slower traffic flow and congestion. “In this regard, Penang Island City Council has implemented a no-stop zone on part of Jalan Jelutong from Jalan Ahmad Nor to Jalan Bukit Dumbar and part of Burma Road from Cantonment Road to Jones Road. “Other affected roads include part of Macalister Road from Anson Road to Penang Road, part of Pengkalan Weld from Gat Lebuh Melayu to Gat Lebuh Chulia, and part of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling from Lebuh Bishop to Lebuh Chulia,” it said. No-stop signs have been installed and double yellow lines painted along all designated routes to alert motorists of the restriction. Penang Island City Council added that enforcement action will be taken against vehicle owners found waiting or parking in the no-stop zones, to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent bottlenecks. – Bernama Sarawak raises rural budget to bridge gap KUCHING: The increase in rural development allocation under this year’s Sarawak budget reflects the state government’s firm commitment to narrowing the rural-urban gap and ensuring equitable growth. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said RM6.8 billion had been allocated for rural development under the Sarawak 2025 Budget up from RM5.695 billion in 2024, underscoring Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s dedication to improving the well-being of rural communities. In his Gawai Dayak message, Uggah said the rural development focus has led to the implementation of major bridge projects that serve as growth catalysts. “Five bridges have already been completed, including the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge in Pusa, Betong, as well as the iconic Bintulu Jepak, Muara Lassa, Marudi and Batang Rajang bridges. “Six more, including the nation’s longest river bridge – Batang Lupar 1 – are expected to be completed by year-end.” – Bernama Welfare drive rolled out in Sungai Buloh KUALA LUMPUR: A broad range of welfare initiatives have been introduced in the Sungai Buloh constituency as part of a comprehensive action plan to safeguard the welfare and well-being of its residents. Sungai Buloh MP Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the initiatives include food basket distributions, free health services, home repairs, disaster relief, support for places of worship and educational aid. He emphasised the importance of community engagement, stating that an elected representative’s role goes beyond parliamentary duties. “It’s about being present, listening to people’s concerns and acting on them. That’s the responsibility I carry in Sungai Buloh,” he said at a wheelchair handover ceremony at Sungai Buloh UiTM Hospital yesterday. – Bernama

KLANG: The Fisheries Development Authority has urged fishermen nationwide to engage in marketing activities rather than focusing solely on fishing in a bid to increase their income. Its chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said this extra step is necessary as fishermen’s incomes have remained stagnant over the years, requiring support from various quarters, including the government. “I have conducted a business review and found that many companies, including supermarkets, have made huge profits — some even listed on the stock exchange — despite not facing the rigours of going out to sea. Authority pushes for role shift as part of poverty reduction and aquaculture growth plan

“This raises questions about the status of local fishermen within the country’s economic structure. It is disheartening to see so many still living in poverty,” he said in Bandar Bukit Tinggi on Friday. Muhammad Faiz said the authority is formulating a more aggressive strategy to elevate the role of fishermen to also function as traders to be managed under their respective state fishing associations. He added that this initiative has strong potential, particularly through the aquaculture sector, aligning with the government’s target for aquaculture to contribute 40% of the national fish supply by 2030. “With the aim of establishing the Gagasan Nelayan Jaga Nelayan movement over the next 10 years, I call on all fishermen to build confidence and work towards breaking the poverty cycle. “From here on, fishermen must – through their associations – shift their mindset and streamline existing

governance structures to prevent fishery resources from being exploited by inappropriate parties in the value chain.” In a separate development, Muhammad Faiz reminded the 40,000 fishermen who receive fuel subsidies, amounting to RM1.6 billion nationwide, to strictly comply with the terms to ensure continued eligibility. He said the authority, a statutory body under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, would not compromise and will take firm action against those found defaulting, Bernama reported. Earlier, Muhammad Faiz officiated the 40th annual general meeting of the Selangor State Fishermen’s Association (Penegor), which was attended by nearly 100 leaders from area fishermen’s associations across the state. During the event, the National Fishermen’s Association also presented tithe contributions totalling RM21,000 to Penegor members.

KLIA Ekspres marks 130 millionth passenger KUALA LUMPUR: Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) marked a significant milestone on Thursday as it celebrated its 23rd anniversary by welcoming the 130 millionth passenger on its KLIA Ekspres service, highlighting its commitment to delivering fast, reliable and comfortable airport rail services since 2002. lunch at Orbit Restaurant in Menara Kuala Lumpur, a one-way KLIA Ekspres VIP service for two, an exclusive KLIA Ekspres train model and other merchandise. “I was genuinely surprised and never imagined I would be the 130 millionth passenger on the KLIA Ekspres. It’s a special moment, especially as this is the first time I’ve brought my eldest son along. I can’t help but feel he brought us a bit of luck today,” said Kamal. INTRICTATE WORK ... Crisna Binti Mojupi (left), together with her assistant, embroidering tikam tembus, where motif outlines are drawn on brightly coloured cotton fabric and stitched using no more than seven colours. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Lumpur, an exclusive train model and other items. “I usually take KLIA Transit during semester breaks because it’s convenient and comfortable. I’m thankful to ERL for this wonderful surprise,” she said. ERL acting chief executive officer Yeow Wei Wen said reaching the 130 millionth passenger reflects the continued trust and loyalty of its customers over the past 23 years. “We are honoured to be part of so many journeys and remain committed to enhancing the travel experience. We also thank our partners for sponsoring today’s prizes,” he said. For details on ongoing promotions, visit www.KLIAekspres.com or contact ERL’s customer enquiry line at 03-2267 8000 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am–6pm) or follow KLIA Ekspres on Facebook and X. – Bernama

In a statement, ERL said the celebration was held at KL Sentral, where the lucky passenger – Nagwa Kamal from Indonesia – was identified based on projected ridership data. Kamal, currently in Kuala Lumpur on holiday, was presented with a special prize package sponsored by ERL’s partners. The package included a one-night stay in the executive deluxe room at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, a night tour for two on the Hop-On Hop-Off KL City of Lights, admission for two to the observation deck and buffet

ERL also marked another occasion by presenting a prize to its 13,000th KLIA Transit passenger of the day, Siti Azieyatul Elliya Azian, a student from Universiti Teknologi Mara Kampus Bandaraya Melaka. She received four standard one-way KLIA Ekspres tickets, a one-night stay at Capri by Fraser in Bukit Bintang, a KL City of Lights night tour for two, admission and lunch for two at Orbit Restaurant in Menara Kuala