PERMIT FOR NIGHT FISHING - JOHORE STRAITS

Mr Goh Tong Liang asked the Minister for Commerce and Industry whether permits will be issued to fishermen to do night fishing in the Straits of Johore.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, Government has already made arrangements to permit night fishing in the Straits of Johore. This arrangement is however tied up with the supervision of these areas. The Federation Government are providing additional boats for this purpose. It is expected that it will take the Federation Government about three months to purchase these boats and engage and train personnel in their use. As soon as this is done, licences will be issued to Singapore fishermen residing along the north coast of Singapore to fish on alternate nights in specified areas under certain conditions.