A flotilla of thirty fishing boats adorned with the Malaysian flag, Jalur Gemilang, participated in a 15km procession from Serkam Jetty to Kuala Merlimau Jetty on Sunday (Sept 10) as part of the Semarak Gemilang 2023 program in celebration of Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
The event, organized by seventeen state government agencies, aimed to promote patriotism and engage the fishing community in the festivities, according to Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, the chairman of the state Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee. He launched the program in Jasin on Sunday, with the presence of Melaka Information Department director Shahrom Ravin Daram Abdullah.
During the launch, Dr Muhamad Akmal also encouraged fishing associations in the district to explore opportunities in downstream industries. He suggested that they apply for land at the second Permanent Food Production Park (TKPM), a project set to be developed in Machap, Alor Gajah, spanning an area of 12.14ha. Such a move would provide fishermen with an alternate source of income through agriculture during periods of low catch or unfavorable weather conditions caused by the monsoon season.
Furthermore, the state government of Melaka is focused on augmenting the income of fishermen by developing projects such as cockle and mussel farms in the waters of Merlimau and Sebatu. These initiatives have already begun to yield positive results.
– Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
