TANJUNG MANIS: The national food supply sector, particularly the agriculture and fisheries sectors, continues to play a crucial role in Sarawak, despite the increasing focus on modern economic policies driven by digital methods and emerging industries centred on renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

According to the Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM), PETRONAS, and the Bruit Fishermen’s Association (PNK) have successfully established the Petronas Retail Outdoor Venture Reload (ROVR) petrol station in Tekajong, marking a significant contribution to the local fishing community.

"The station provides convenient access to subsidised petrol for the fishermen’s boats.

"Therefore, I urge PETRONAS, LKIM, and PNK to consider constructing a subsidised diesel supply station at the new LKIM jetty on the southern side of Pulau Bruit, as well as increasing the storage capacity at the station, which frequently experiences shortages during peak fishing seasons," he said.

He made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the PETRONAS ROVR Petrol Station Bruit PNK, held at the Tekajong Village Community Hall on Thursday.

Datuk Abdullah who is also Semop Assemblyman, advocated for special programmes targeting the wives of farmers and fishermen, focusing on processing agricultural and marine products into marketable downstream goods, a move that would undoubtedly help improve household incomes.

At the same event, Datuk Abdullah also distributed school supplies, contributed by PETRONAS, to 30 students from the Bruit PNK, including students from SK Bruit, SK Tekajong, SK Penipah, SK Betanak, and SK Penibong.

Furthermore, contributions from LKIM and PENESA were presented to Jenohati binti Seperi, a fire victim and member of the Bruit Area Fishermen’s Association.

Additionally, an educational aid of RM300 from Yayasan Nelayan Malaysia (YANEM) was awarded to Mohd Zamarul Boldan.

Donations of RM200 from the Fishermen’s Children Aid Fund (PNK Bruit) were also given to Anis Ayuni Sardini and Nur Wildayati Sardini, respectively.

Among those present were the General Manager of PETRONAS Sarawak, Norazibah Md Rabu, Director of LKIM Sarawak, Mohamad Rizal Sahari, Regional Officer II of Mukah, Sufri Ahmad, Representative of the Daro District Officer, Yusuf Hossen and Pemanca of Daro District, Bujang Razeli.-UKASnews