KUALA LUMPUR 3 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) has affirmed that the current daily diesel subsidy of 50 litres per vessel remains adequate to support the operations of small‑scale fishermen nationwide, even amid rising fuel costs.
LKIM’s Director‑General Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad said on Friday that, based on continuous monitoring of fishing activities and fuel consumption patterns, most artisanal and coastal fishing vessels are able to carry out their daily tasks efficiently under the existing subsidy scheme. He acknowledged that global fuel price fluctuations have placed pressure on operating costs but maintained that the 50‑litre allocation serves as a vital support buffer.
He explained that the subsidy, which has been in place for several years, was designed to balance government assistance with long‑term sustainability of the fishing sector. According to Abdul Rahman, most small boat operators do not typically exceed the 50‑litre threshold for daily diesel usage, and the policy has helped safeguard livelihoods while managing public expenditure.
The authority’s assessment comes amid broader concerns about rising energy prices globally, particularly following disruptions in fuel markets caused by ongoing geopolitical tensions. LKIM said it will continue to liaise with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to assess the subsidy’s effectiveness and determine if further adjustments are needed to reflect evolving conditions.
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While the 50‑litre subsidy applies to small‑scale fishermen, larger commercial fishing operators are not covered under the same scheme and must rely on market fuel prices. LKIM representatives emphasised that tailored support mechanisms for different segments of the fishing industry remain under review.
Abdul Rahman also urged fishermen to adopt fuel‑efficient practices and modernise vessel operations where feasible to help reduce reliance on subsidies and enhance overall productivity.-The Capital Post
