More than 10,300 fishing vessels have been provided with subsidised diesel this year, with RM669 million allocated to ensure supply stability.
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 10,330 fishing vessels have received diesel subsidies up to October this year under the government’s continued Diesel and Petrol Subsidy Scheme for Fishermen.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the scheme ensures the sustainability of the sector and the stability of the nation’s fish supply.
This year, a subsidised diesel quota of 70 million litres per month was approved at RM1.65 per litre.
The total subsidised diesel distributed reached 532.75 million litres, amounting to RM669 million in subsidies.
“For Sabah, 1,455 vessel owners received diesel subsidies totalling 86.6 million litres, valued at RM116.5 million in 2025,” he told the Dewan Negara.
He added that in 2026, an allocation of 10 million litres per month will be provided to benefit the same group of fishermen in the state.
Mohamad said the total allocation and quota will be maintained next year.
Subsidy implementation is based on quotas, set fuel consumption rates, and verified actual usage by fishermen confirmed by the Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM).
To prevent leakages, the ministry is strengthening control mechanisms.
This includes a gradual transition to mobile applications such as facial recognition to verify subsidy recipients.
Existing methods in areas with limited internet access are also being improved.
Meanwhile, Mohamad said the government does not designate any state or specific area as a specialised food producer.
It instead adopts a flexible approach based on weather, terrain, and the capacity of local agricultural operators.
“So far, we have not designated specific states or areas to produce particular food items,” he said.
