The Malaysian Insight

THE teenage fishermen of Sabak Bernam are not victims of child labour and are not being exploited as they have chosen to work voluntarily to support their families, said Sg Panjang assemblyman Mohd Imran Tamrin.

“They are earning a living for themselves and their families and no one forced or ordered them to work as fishermen. 

“This is not against the country’s labour laws,” the assemblyman told The Malaysian Insight when asked to comment on school dropouts who turned to fishing along the Sabak Bernam coast in Selangor.

Imran said he was aware of the situation and that the teens are earning as much as any other fishermen according to the tasks assigned to them.

He, however, disagreed with their decision to quit school, although he admitted that many were driven by poverty.

“Many of them come from families with financial problems. Their parents can’t afford to hire people and, therefore, have asked their sons to work for them. 

“It may have started out with just giving some help but over time, it has become a necessity,” Imran said.

It is estimated that 20% of the 100-strong fishing workforce along the Sabak Bernam coast have not completed secondary school. Many dropped out once they reached form one.

The Barisan Nasional rep said he could only encourage the teens to continue their studies or take up skills training courses.

“I understand their desire to help their families but they also must attain other skills. I urge them to learn skills at the Giatmara Institute,” Imram said, referring to the government-run training institute.

“They need help to expand their abilities as there are times when fishermen can’t go out to sea. They need something to fall back on as a second job – it can be business or repairing electrical appliances.”

 

Sg Haji Dorani jetty chief Zulkarnain Saidek said he understood why the young people would rather work, even if it meant quitting school.

“They don’t want to become a burden to their own families. There are many reasons they choose this path, financial reasons, to assist their parents and siblings.

“It is also better for them to be out there fishing with their parents’ knowledge, rather than be seen as going to school but skipping lessons instead,” said Zulkarnain, 28.

Imran said he does not believe anyone is taking advantage of the teenage boys.

“There is no issue about their pay being too low as they are being paid according to the amount of the fish caught. Whether they’re senior or junior, as long as they are good in what they do, they earn the amount.”

The Children and Young Persons (Employment) Act, which was amended last year, now makes it illegal to hire workers below the age of 15.

Those aged 15 to 18 must not be given work between 8pm and 5am, or for more than four hours consecutively without rest, or for more than seven hours a day, or 12 hours non-stop. 

They are also not allowed to enter high-risk areas or be involved in dangerous work or unsafe environments. – August 1, 2019.