750 fishermen affected by SOGT to be compensated soon

The long-awaited compensation for some 750 coastal fishermen here including from Bongawan and Kuala Penyu, affected by the mega Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) project in Kimanis, will be resolved this year.

Regional Association Fishermen (PNK) for Papar Chairman, Abu Bakar Jamil, said the assurance to compensate fishermen whose livelihood will be affected by implementation of the project was given by SOGT itself.

He said the livelihood of the affected coastal fishermen would be defended and the amount of the compensation to them would be finalised this year.

"A State Compensation Committee has been set up to address and tackle this matter.

Sabah Fisheries Department and Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM), which are among the committee members, will be working together to screen and identify the 750 coastal fishermen to check on their eligibility.

"Among the criteria are the recipient must be a true fisherman and actively going to the sea and rely on catching fish as their source of income," he said.

Abu Bakar said this to Daily Express when met after incumbent Papar MP Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin officiated at the 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of PNK Papar held at community hall here, Wednesday.

SOGT has set certain restricted areas in the waters near the terminal that are off limits for the fishermen.

Abu Bakar said the compensation would not only be given to boat owners but also to their crews.

He said SOGT, which is developed under Petronas, will be meeting the fishermen in regards to the issue after the 13th General Election.

In another development, he urged the fishermen here and in Kimanis to continue supporting Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates on May 5.

"BN has proven to be serving the interests and needs of the fishermen under the leadership of caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak for the past four years.

"Many welfare and financial assistance have been provided to elevate the living standard of the fishermen like the monthly living allowance of RM200.

"Also, a total of 37 homes of fishermen here have been repaired with each costing about RM12,000, throughout last year and another 50 are applying for a new home to be built for them at a cost of RM54,000," he said.

Not only that, Abu Bakar said the BN has been giving subsidised fuel for their boats.