MALAYSIA, THE ONLY COUNTRY TO PROVIDE LIVING ALLOWANCE FOR FISHERMEN

BACHOK (Malaysia), Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is the only country in the
world which gives monthly allowance to fishermen, Deputy Finance Minister Dr
Awang Adek Hussein.

"They form a special group to be getting such an attention from the
government," he told reporters at the handing of the cost of living allowance
and breaking of fast here Thursday night.

A total of 558 fishermen, who are members of the Bachok Area Fishermen
Association received the allowance, totalling RM120,000. The function was also
attended by Malaysian Fisheries Development Board deputy director-general Mohad
Khazin Hamzan.

Awang Adek said the RM200 a month living allowance given to 55,000 fishermen
in the country would be reviewed in December next year based on the world fuel
price, the government's financial capability and the fishermen's economy.

"If the need is still there, I'm confident the government will continue with
the programme," he added.

Awang Adek said the government spent RM200 million since last year to
provide living allowance to fishermen to help ease their burden following the
hike in fuel price. (US$1=RM3.50)
-- BERNAMA