GPS technology and fish finders for Melaka fishermen expected by August, boosting income and modernising the state’s fishing sector.
MELAKA: Global Positioning System (GPS) technology devices and fish finders for use by registered fishermen in Melaka are expected to be obtained by the end of August at the latest.
State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said that the use of the technology, which is expected to benefit around 1,000 fishermen, involves an allocation of RM1 million provided by the state government.
“We have completed the procurement process and now we are waiting for the delivery of the devices.
“The use of GPS and ‘fish finder’, estimated to be worth between RM1,100 and RM1,200, is hoped to increase the income of fishermen as it makes it easier for them to locate fish more accurately compared to conventional methods,” he told reporters here today.
He said this after officiating the Melaka AgroFest 2026, which was also attended by Melaka Agriculture Department director Rozli Azizi Talib.
Dr. Muhamad Akmal said that the initiative is also expected to contribute to the modernisation of the state’s fishing sector, in addition to helping fishermen plan their movements at sea systematically and to avoid entering restricted areas.
In another development, he said the state government through the Department of Agriculture has granted an exemption of nearly RM100,000 in Temporary Occupation Licenve (TOL) fees to farmers and breeders who cultivate idle state-owned land.
“This exemption is given from a one-year period from April this year until April next year, and we are still encouraging more farmers or breeders to cultivate idle state government land,” he said.
Earlier, he said that Melaka Agrofest 2026 aims to attract around 50,000 visitors, with sales worth RM1.6 million, over the three-day event which began yesterday.
He said the annual event, which brings together farmers, breeders, fishermen, and agricultural entrepreneurs from all over Melaka, is not only to promote local agricultural products and agri-food but also to attract tourists from outside Melaka in conjunction with the Visit Melaka Year 2.0 this year.
Dr. Muhamad Akmal also said that 60,000 Melaka Jagung Manis cobs will also be distributed for free to Melaka AgroFest 2026 visitors throughout the three days.
In addition, he said that 14 categories of awards were given to farmers, breeders, fishermen, and agricultural entrepreneurs, involving a prize value of RM30,000 as an appreciation and to boost the spirits of these groups to continue contributing to the sector they are engaged in.
