ASSISTANCE TO SINGAPORE FISHERMEN

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for National Development whether the Government (i) is willing to give assistance in whatever form to Singapore fishermen who fish in international and/or local waters and (ii) has any plans to boost the fishing industry in Singapore.

Dr Lee Boon Yang (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, on behalf of my Minister.

The Government supports Singapore fishermen and the fishing industry by providing the necessary infrastructure and technical assistance.

There are two fishing ports at Jurong and Punggol to serve as operational bases for the local fishing fleet. The wharves are backed-up with auction markets for local fishermen to sell off their catch.

The Government is also constructing a live fish market at Punggol Fishing Port at a cost of $0.8 million. When completed in mid-1987, it will enable local fish farmers to market their produce more effectively.

The Trade Development Board recently led a trade mission to Indonesia to explore further cooperation in fisheries and agriculture. The Indonesian government has now agreed to issue permits to our fishermen to fish in their waters.

The Government is also actively promoting the development of marine fish farming and intensive high-tech marine aquaculture farms in Singapore. 100 hectares of sea area in our coastal waters have been designated for marine fish farming. So far, 66 marine fish farms occupying about 35 hectares have been established. 32 hectares of coastal land at Loyang have also been set aside for intensive high- tech marine aquaculture farms.

The Primary Production Department (PPD) continues to provide technical assistance to fish farms to upgrade their farming technology. It regularly conducts training courses for fish farmers and their employees. PPD also undertakes research and development works on fish farming technology and fish disease control which are of direct benefit to local fish farms.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, other than the infrastructure and the agreement which the Government has helped to get with the Indonesians, has the Government done anything else to promote deep-sea fishing?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Primary Production Department offers technical assistance for those who want to engage in fishing, be it coastal or deep-sea fishing. If the Member for Potong Pasir has any specific area where he thinks that more technical assistance could be offered, he is welcome to advise the Department and to let us know what are these particular areas of concern.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, what I am asking is: what has the Government done to-date other than those two areas mentioned?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: As I have said, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Primary Production Department offers the infrastructure that enables our fishing industry to operate and, where there are areas that need technical assistance, we are ready to help them. If the Member for Potong Pasir feels that there is still some special assistance required, then let him suggest.