ASSISTANCE TO FISH FARMERS AFFECTED BY OIL SLICK

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development how many fish farmers were affected by the recent oil slick and what was the estimated loss sustained by them; and what assistance is being contemplated by his Ministry for fish farmers in the sea off Serangoon Harbour and Pulau Ubin to face their plight.

Mr S. Dhanabalan: Up till now, 41 farmers have claimed that they have been affected by the recent oil slick in the Johore Straits. The farmers are estimating their losses.The Primary Production Department (PPD) has held preliminary meetings with the Protection and Indemnity Club( P & I Club), which is representing the owner of the vessel"Stolt Avance", to discuss possible claims by the farmers. PPD will assist the farmers by coordinating their submissions of claims to the P & I Club.

PPD has also advised farmers on steps to minimise damages by mopping the oil in the affected areas with absorbents, to transfer fish into new nets, to clean oil affected nets and to put up barriers to avoid further contamination by the oil slick. Annex - TARGET LONG-TERM CPF RATES (Cols. 1425 - 1426)