International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology

Vol. 29, No. 7, (2020), pp. 4924-4937

Towards Empowering Fishermen Community: A Case Study of Kuala

Rompin, Malaysia

W. Hashim1, Faridah Hani M.Salleh1, H. Mohd Radzi1, S. Mohd Daud2, Z. Ismail1, Ridha Bin
Omar1, A. Hussain3
1 Institute of Informatics and Computing in Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 43000 Kajang,
Selangor, MALAYSIA
2
Razak Facultyl of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi 54100 Kuala Lumpur,
MALAYSIA
3
School of Computing, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 UUM, Sintok, MALAYSIA
Corresponding author: Faridah Hani M.Salleh (e-mail: faridahh@uniten.edu.my).
This work was supported in part by the University of Tenaga Nasional Chancellor Foundation
and Collaboration Research Grant.

Abstract
Fish demand in recent years is rising, due to increase in needs and demand for sea products as
part of daily nutrition intake. The decline in fish resources will affect the food security and the
livelihood of fishermen in Malaysia. Hence, finding ways to self-manage fisheries is now
imperative. Our recent survey at Kuala Rompin, Pahang fishing communities found that there are
five main issues faced by fishermen. The identified issues are breached fishing ground, declining
in fish abundance, limited access to technologies, alternative employments opportunities and
social quality development. These factors have resulted in the decline of catches, which eventually
have affected income and the quality of life of local fishermen. In this paper, apart from the
discussions of issues pertaining to fishing industry, we also present our proposed solutions to
these identified issues.

INDEX TERMS Asia region, fishing industry

I. INTRODUCTION
Coastal fisherman normally depends mostly on their daily catch as the main source of income.
Although fisheries sector has developed and experienced tremendous change in term of technology
and amount of catch, the average income of this community is relatively low. Poverty among
fisherman can be attributed to many factors such as the lack of capital, unable to adapt to the current
technology advancements, ineffective marketing and low academic qualification. With regards to
eradicating poverty among the fishing community, many steps have been taken by the government
to improve the quality of life of fishermen. For instance, the government has put in efforts to
provide better social amenities. A number of social programs exist, including low-costs housing,
electricity and piped water, health services and education. Provision of amenities by public sector,
according to Norizan (2003, 2013), do bring benefits to the fishermen. This paper aims to gain

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insight into the real issues faced by the fishing community by interviewing the fishermen at Kuala
Rompin, Malaysia. The results of the interviews were analyzed using NVIVO. These analyzed
results are then presented in this research paper. The proposed solutions to the identified problems
are also presented at the end of this paper.

II. RELATED STUDIES

Several studies related to the fishing industry in Malaysia have been conducted previously.
Qualitative findings show that amongst the main factors affecting the quality of life of the fishermen
are income, government assistance, education, religion, as well as local enforcement. Among of the
crucial components in the overall wellbeing of the fishermen community are family support,
community support and relevant agencies. Family members are the main support group that the
fishermen are relying upon for both moral and physical support. The local and other fellow fishermen
support is also vital for the fisherman to continue doing their job. This correlates with their favorite
past time activities of relaxing and catching up with fellow fishermen (Nor Hayati, 2010).
The research conducted at Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia discovered that in general, the wellbeing
of the fishing community in Kuala Terengganu is still relatively at the lower end. However,
respondents agreed that the development of infrastructure and public facilities has made some impact
in their quality of life (Mohd Yusof et. al., 2011). Another study by Dara Aisyah et al., (2012) focusing
on People’s Welfare Development Scheme (SPKR) in Terengganu, has witnessed 147 of fishermen
will be receiving some aides from the government. However more than half of the sample population
(51%) admit that their current job satisfaction level remains the same as their satisfaction level 5 years
ago. A majority of the fishermen (87.8%) did not have any other job or earning due to the lack of
transferable skills. They solely depend on income from catching fish. Moreover, a majority of
fishermen wives (89.8%) are a full time home maker. Dara Aisyah & Nor Hayati (2014) continued
their study and discovered that there are no significant changes regarding the payable income of the
fishermen over the past 10 years. Most of them are still within the poverty group even with all the
incentives and assistance given by government.
Recent study conducted by Norizan et. al. (2013) on the quality of life of fishermen on the West
coast of Peninsular Malaysia involving states such Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Johor. This study
involving 306 respondents and 24 interviewed samples. Result indicates that there are seven
indicators that affect the quality of life of the fishermen namely; the residential areas, income, savings,
fishing equipment, housing, health and family surroundings. Other factors that have great influence
on the quality of the fisherman life are area of settlement, income, saving, fishing equipment, housing,
health and family surrounding. However, the most dominant indicator which affects the respondents’
quality of life is residential area. The fishing communities’ settlement is usually inherited from one
generation to another. Fishermen are more comfortable living in the coastal areas because of the safety
of their fishing equipment, and it is convenient for them to be able to leave their boats at the jetty.
Other importance factors that should be given attention are government assistance, education, religion
and local authority enforcement Norizan Abdul Ghani (2017).
Relevant agencies such as Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (Malaysian Fisheries Development
Authority), Jabatan Perikanan (Fishery Department) and Persatuan Nelayan (Fishermen's
Association) are important in ensuring the fishing community to continuously receive assistance and
trainings of various transferable skills such as entrepreneurship, business and marketing skills,
business administration, business capital as well as guidance. The fishing community needs

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encouragements so that they can venture into other career options especially those that are related to
business, or any other fishing-related activities that is more profitable.

III. METHOD AND SAMPLING

The study uses focus group discussion, where 10 local fishermen (focus group or FG) were
interviewed in a group discussion together with Rompin Fisherman Community Association (PNK
Rompin) Vice President as the subject matter expert. The sampling procedure used is a non-
probability sampling method and simple random sampling. The idea of non-probability sampling is
to provide meaningful information about the total population, where each sample has the main
characteristic that represents the entire population. The respondents for the interview sessions are
those who were willing to talk and share their perceptions, emotions, thoughts and feelings. All the
respondents are the members of Rompin Fisherman Community Association. The group interview
was conducted by four researchers, one of whom acted as a moderator, and another one took notes of
discussions. The 4-hours interview session was recorded in a video, which was then transcribed by
the other researcher using NVIVO software.

IV. RESULTS
Based on qualitative analysis from the interview session with the focus group, there are many areas
that has become a concern to the fishermen. Currently, NVIVO analysis uncovers five themes with
several more sub themes. The first theme is problems faced by the Kuala Rompin FG fishermen. The
interview indicates there are eight issues that are hindering the fishermen from improving their current
economic security. The second theme is the FG group perception towards using high tech gadget.
The third theme reflects the technology devices that may be useful to the FG, the fourth theme is
government assistance towards FG community and the last theme is suggestions given by the FG.
Figure 1 shows a graphical representation of the five themes discovered by NVIVO and its findings.
The study separates the discussion into several themes. The first theme is related to the problems
faced by the fishing community. They cover numerous issues such as environmental related,
economic security, safety, technological gadget, government policies and regulatory acts, and roles
of relevant agencies.
Here, the FG mentioned the problem of fishery declines. An issue which directly threatens the
livelihood of fishermen. When a fishing ground is experiencing overfishing, less fish is available for
the inshore fishermen. In our recent survey, it is identified that the fish-declining trend is due to the
violation of fishing fleets operating in the vicinity of prohibited waters.
Although there is specific agency tasked with the controlling of fishing activities, the negative
impact of pervasive illegal fishing is significant. Overfishing can affect an entire ecosystem. It can
change the size of the remaining fish, as well as the fish’s reproduction and the speed at which they
mature. Creating artificial reefs from detained illegal boats is a solution worth consider. This could
help in preventing trawl boats from entering the prohibited areas. Vessel artificial reef has been
described in (FAO, 2015); its practice and advantages at Bukit Maung, Penang in the late 2018
(Sunarti Yusoff, 2018).
The presence of illegal foreign fishing boats in the shore of Kuala Rompin waters are a worrying
factor to the local fishermen. These intrusions resulted in reduced fishing sources for local fishermen
and cause severe damages to the ecosystem due to the fishing technique used. The trawler boats
operators violate Zone A areas and threaten inshore fishermen, who typically operated less than 5

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nautical miles (10km) from the shore. Despite the ban of trawl net use since 2016 except for Zone C
(StarOnline, 2014) these trawl boats sneak to Zone A at midnight to catch massive fish resources.
These trawl traps do not only trapped big fishes, but also small fishes; therefore disrupting the fish
growth cycle. These small fishes became low-value fishes that are usually used to make crop fertilizer.
FG are also concerned for their safety due to the lack of high technology gadgets that is reliable for
communication, and when they are out of the signal area. FG also highlighted housing issues that has
become a serious problem for the local fishing community in Kuala Rompin. The low-cost houses
still cannot be purchased by most fishermen. This is due to the current mortgage system practice by
the banking and financial institutions that assesses the ability of borrowers in terms of their financial
strength.
Respondents stated that there is a need for a machine or some sort of technology that can assists
in sewing of the fishing nets. This sewing process have to be done manually each time they get new
nets; and normally it takes up to 3 days to complete. Having a machine that can sew fishing nets
should definitely be helpful to these fishermen.
The fishermen also require trainings that teach compass reading, GPS and other marine-related
technical skills. The respondents suggested that fishermen attending these courses be given daily
allowances. This is because when these fishermen attend a course, consequently they will be unable
to do their routine job. Hence, this will slightly affect their income. The respondents are also interested
in marketing-related courses. The respondents also prefer if these courses are held nearby their home
(or village).
The second theme focuses on FG’s perception towards the readiness of using advanced technology
gadgets. FG agree and are aware that with the availability of high technology their efficiency and
productivity can be increased. However, trainings must first be given to users before the gadget can
actually be utilized. FG also mentioned that it is better if the gadget is durable, easy to handle,
affordable and the User Interface (UI) is suitable for the “illiterate” user. This is because there a lot
of fisherman who are unable to read or write. Age is one of the factor that deters them from embracing
ICT. These fishermen are reluctant to attend ICT related courses and seminars conducted by relevant
agencies. They claimed at their age, there is no more things to learn. The negative attitude towards
ICT has become one of the major factor, which contributes to the low acceptance of ICT among
fishermen in Malaysia. Most fishermen do not use ICT as they still depend on the traditional way of
fishing. The respondents also claimed that they do not use computer and the internet because of the
high cost, and they do not see the need of using such device.
The third theme supports/“supplements” the second theme; FG list out several features, which
they think, would be beneficial for their fishing activities. FG suggest that more signal towers should
be placed at strategic locations. This is because without these towers the equipment may lose its
functionality especially when the fishermen are in the middle of the sea or during stormy weathers.
The FG are also aware of how internet technology can widen the business connection and increase
their business opportunity. Nevertheless, FG acknowledged that they need training and guidance in
order to be able to use social media effectively. FG also indicated that they would like to own a good
sonar or fish detecting device, and quality freezers (for storing their catch while at sea). Both of these
equipment are too expensive and may not fit their small boats. FG were also concerned of their safety
while at sea. This is due to the unavailability of advanced communication tools, especially when they
are out of the coverage of the typical signal area.

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Currently, due to the lack of proper gears and equipment, inshore fishermen are facing difficulties
to communicate reliably with other fishermen, family or onshore community. Existing Mobile
Network Operators (MNOs) provide their services via telecommunication base station towers built
on shorelines. These towers provide telecommunication coverage limited only to communities living
inland or those living on shorelines within the vicinity of towers’ coverage. Typically, full coverage
is limited to areas that have high population density such as towns and cities. Whereas, the inshore
communities are only sporadically covered as these communities are scattered within these areas. As
MNOs are not required to provide full network coverage off the coastlines and inshore areas,
fishermen therefore are unable to communicate reliably. Instead, they have to rely on their gut feeling
and experience to know their exact location. Hence, they often have difficulties whenever they have
to provide their exact location when they are in dangerous situations. Another area of concern that
needs to be addressed is public safety. When illegal fishermen or pirates encroach into the FG’s water
territories to fish; FG are unable to alert the authorities in time (to report these illegal incidents).
Fishing using a very bright flashlight attracts all kinds of fish including fish that are too small. This
will affect the fish population. Currently there is no special law or act against the use of these large-
scale bright lights. On the contrary, the gasoline lamps use by respondents are much better as these
lamps only draw fish, which is of the appropriate size. The cost of an advanced sonar equipment that
can detect the presence of fish remotely is around RM500, 000. This cost is much too high for a
fisherman, even if a financial loan is provided.
The availability of ICT tools such as GPS, sonar, wireless set, computer, internet and mobile phone
can indeed provide immense assistance to fishermen. Their role in developing the socio-economic
aspects of fishermen cannot be denied, and many research studies have proven this. ICT tools can
help fishermen save cost, time and energy. Internet-enabled mobile phone for example, can help
increase the possibility of fishermen getting the best price (from fishmongers/dealers) for their catch
even before they dock at the port (Abraham, 2004; Barba-Sanchez et al., 2007; Bahaman et al., 2011).
The fourth theme discusses how much the Government and the Fisherman Association have
helped the community so far, and what more are still needed to be done. The FG is also looking
forward to more fishermen markets and financial assistance from government. Currently, the
fishermen have accessed to facilities such as ice flake machines, diesel supplies, processing factories,
cold rooms and many others. For the marketing purpose, Government has provided many fish markets
at nearby towns and main cities (i.e. places that are further than the coastal areas). With all these
initiatives in placed, it is hoped that the fishing communities will gain tremendous benefits and will
boost their income. Despite all these developments programmes, increased wages and assistance
from the government, the socioeconomic standard of fishermen still has not reached a comfortable
desired level.
This is mainly because small traditional fishing communities do not gain positive results due to
their lack of knowledge in using technology. They are merely doing activities that can be executed
at a minimum cost and using the least amount of knowledge and technology. Some of these activities
include, making dried salty fish, making shrimp paste, growing vegetables, selling their daily catch
at nearby markets, rearing livestock and renting their fishing boat. They tend to choose activities that
has low business risk (Norfatiha Othman, 2016).
In addition to the government's efforts to increase fishermen income; the impact of developments
in the surrounding residential areas has also affects the level of the fishing community’s welfare.

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Development initiatives such as in the tourism and industrial sectors have also help fishermen to
enhance their quality of life. Facilities provided by government have impacted their standard of living.
The last theme represents suggestions by FG regarding their communities. Issues related to
policies, acts and judicial codes are still “hassling” the Malaysian Fish Development Agency, the
Maritime Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture. These disagreements have detrimental operational
effects on the local fishing industry. Pertaining to the issue of “substitute employment” opportunities;
in a year, the Kuala Rompin fishermen only go out fishing for only 8 months. In Malaysia, fishermen
do not go out to sea from November until February due to rough sea. Within this period, they will be
doing other odd jobs to support their families. However, sadly the alternative employment
opportunities are very few. Poor land tenure is also a problem; many fishermen do not have the rights
to the property where they live. Hence, alternative activities such as planting pineapples at their
backyard as suggested by the minister early last year (Utusan Malaysia, 2018) could not be done.
Women are accounted for most of the workers in the secondary marine-related activities such as fish
processing and marketing (Utusan Malaysia, 2018). However, when the supply of fish is limited (due
to monsoon season), doing such activities will not be productive. Fishermen who have spent most of
their time at sea will find it difficult to do non-fishing related works. One of the activities that can
generate income and is still within the scope of fishery is fish farming. From our survey, there are
fishermen in Kuala Rompin doing fresh water fish farming activities (i.e. river). However, fertilizers
used in the nearby agricultural areas, which flow into the river have killed these fresh water fish.
Furthermore, the fish food prices have also become more expensive.
The Rompin Fishermen's Association has lined up various activities to boost the economy of the
local fishing community. These activities include the production of fish-flavoured crackers and some
other marine-related products. The Rompin Fishermen's Association also has built chalets near the
seaside. These chalets are opened for rental to public. The fishermen also sell fish and other catch
directly at the association's market, which is very close to the jetty. Despite these various economic
activities, the association still does not have aggressive marketing plans to market their products to
the open market. Most fishermen spend a lot of their time at sea and do not have much time to engage
in marketing activities that involve accounting processes. During the fishing season, excess fish are
sent to the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority for freeze packing process.
As for social quality development, when speaking about substitute/alternative employments,
KUNITA or Kumpulan Wanita Nelayan (Women Fishermen Group) is a special association that has
established for women in this community. KUNITA acts as an “outreach” centre where various
traditional and commercially based activities are set-up for women in this community. By being
involved in these activities, these women can generate money to supplement their income. These
activities will not only empower these women, but it is also hoped that these activities will create a
“ripple-effect” that would change the community (and its future generation) as a whole.

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FIGURE 1. NVIVO analysis on challenges faced by Kuala Rompin, Malaysia fishermen

V. THE WAY FORWARD

In this section, we will narrow down our discussion into four potential research areas, which we
believe are worth exploring in order to solve the problems identified earlier on. The four areas are:
first, the Fishing Community Communication Network and Emergency Response and Safety
Communication System; second, the Trend Analysis and Fisheries Potential of Marine Fishery Data;
third, the Women and Children Well-Being in Fisheries Communities and lastly, the Rehabilitation
of Marine Resources Through the Establishment of Artificial Reefs.
A. FISHING COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION NETWORK AND EMERGENCY
RESPONSE AND SAFETY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Based on the above research background, we believe that it is time for our local fishermen to be
provided with a proper system, that is community-based and will allow them to have a control on the
system without depending much on the government. A standalone system will not give any values
unless it is developed as one complete ecosystem. For a complete system to function, the development
of a proper communication network is the backbone to this project. Long Range WIFI (LRWIFI)
system is proposed for the benefit of all inshore fishermen. This LRWIFI will be customized to cater
to the need of fisherman when they go out to sea. LRWIFI will be used as a monitoring tool, a public
safety system, an emergency panic kit device and a two-way communication system. Long Range
WIFI is proposed not only due to its lower cost of implementation of the monitoring and
communication system, but more importantly due to its low acquisition cost of the User Equipment
(UE). To make it easier and affordable for every fisherman to afford the UE, it is suggested that off-
the-shelf mobile devices with customized software are used. This will ease deployment and

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distribution processes of the UE. This initiative will not only improve the safety of the fishermen,
but hopefully will also improve their income level. A proof of concept monitoring station must be
setup onshore. This station will be able to monitor the location of fishermen by capturing the GPS
signals sent out periodically by the fisherman’s UE. Besides monitoring function, the LRWIFI link
will also enable two ways communication between onshore and inshore, thus enabling effective
communication not only between fishermen and the monitoring station, but also amongst fishermen.
This will provide real-time updates on impending weather changes or other instantaneous crucial
information that were not available previously. Towers with the LRWIFI base station and repeaters
must be built to widen the coverage. The customized apps can be developed and install on acquired
off-the-shelf waterproof mobile unit that has at least three radio connections – WIFI, GPS and
cellular. The mobile unit has to be waterproof and rugged enough to withstand the harsh sea
conditions. The developed application must also have an emergency (distress) button.

B. TREND ANALYSIS AND FISHERIES POTENTIAL OF MARINE FISHERY DATA

In Malaysia, readily available fisheries data are provided by the Department of Fisheries Sabah
(Department of Fisheries Sabah, 2019), and annual reports by the Fisheries Development Authority
of Malaysia (2016), and fish landings (Jabatan Perikanan Malaysia, 2019) provided by the Ministry
of Agriculture & Agro-Based Industry Malaysia. Despite of the availability of these data, an effort
for improving the analysis and the prediction on the status and trends of capture fisheries is still
lacking. There is an urgent need for Malaysian scientists to provide a framework, strategy, and a plan
to improve knowledge and understanding of the status and trends of fisheries in Malaysia. This will
eventually form a basis for policy-making and management, towards the conservation and sustainable
use of resources within the ecosystems (N. R. Syambas et al. 2014)
A comprehensive understanding of the challenges currently facing the marine fisheries science and
management requires consideration of both the biological and human dimensions (Jones, C. 2004).
An inventory of data collection systems made under the FAO FishCode STF project showed that
small-scale fisheries are not well covered (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
2019). Their dispersed nature, the weak institutional capacity in many developing countries, and the
traditional methods used make routine data collection process cumbersome. Incomplete and
inaccurate data collection is a notorious issue in fisheries everywhere. Catch can be unintentionally
or intentionally misreported across the different fishing sectors. Due to all these problems, an
innovative sampling strategy is required. The fisheries data must be thoroughly examined in order to
determine the status of the fisheries resources, and to embark on necessary actions that ensure its
sustainability. Securing the sustainability of fishes is essential and requires considerable effort across
a broad spectrum of fishery systems (Hall, S. J, 2013).
Data scarcity in Malaysia fisheries hinders the effective management of marine resources. This is
particularly true in most of the states that often have limited capacity for monitoring activities.
Although sophisticated vessels system can provide robust scientific data, they are often costly,
bringing along many logistical constraints and, most importantly, they are yet to be available in
Malaysia. In response to these shortfalls, research in this area aims to identify fisheries data in order
to improve fisheries management, strategic fish catching and harvest strategy. The role of fishery data
is significant in the regulatory process. Therefore, it should be studied in-depth, particularly from the
perspectives of reporting and monitoring; and what alternatives technologies that have the potential
to make the system more efficient in the future. This research is made possible by analyzing the

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existing data collected from the fishery department. Fishery data can be gathered from interviews
with fishermen and fishmongers, examining the log books, trip tickets, and landing bills. The findings
of this research can be utilized to develop a data dashboard of fisheries that will make interpretation
of catch data easier. This data dashboard will assist in providing the required information to support
decision-making process and to allow fishing communities to predict the likely impacts over time.
Among the key outcome indicators are the fish abundance level, catch level, and the fishing for profits
factor.
Data analytic has been applied to diverse areas such as biology, biochemistry, medical, education
and marine sciences. Various methods have been applied and we can categorize the methods into
several categories. The information-theoretic approach is dominated by methods such as Path
Consistency Algorithm based on Conditional Mutual Information, Mutual Information Test based on
Dynamic Bayesian Network, and Mutual Information. As for the filter-based approaches, Unscented
Kalman Filter and Fractional Kalman Filter are two possible methods, which can be explored. As for
the graph-based category, method such as Random Forests or Extra-Trees may be applied. Whilst the
probability and statistics category has methods such as Gaussian Graphical Model and Double t-test.
The emerging nature-inspired algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization and Ant Colony
Optimization are other examples of high-potential methods that can be possibly explored. For the
category of correlation and dependence, methods such as Local Expression Pattern and Distance
Correlation-based algorithms are worth looking at. The University of California Santa Barbara has
developed an example of a fishery data dashboard (University of California 2016). Unlike other types
of data dashboard, this fishery data dashboard has incorporated certain characteristics such data-light,
user-friendly application attuned to local language and literacy issues and adaptable to the diversity
of activity among fishing communities (University of California 2016).
The findings of this research can be utilized to develop a dashboard of fisheries data that is in a
form of graphical data-driven applications that will make interpretation of catch data easier. The
fishery data system will integrate and improve accessibility of different data sources of fisheries,
environmental, and economic data to be used as decision making tools for a variety of end-users
including policy makers, stakeholders, scientists and the general public. The findings can also be
utilized to develop technology-based approaches, such as a comprehensive automatic reporting
system that is able to submit several reports before, during, and after a fishing trip. Another new
technology that we can propose in future is at-sea monitoring system that provides key pieces of
fishery data for scientists and managers. At-sea observers are used for recording of biological data
and information on fishing activities. At-sea monitoring programs comprise of an integrated system
of video cameras, gear sensors, and GPS use to record fishing activities. This system is comparable
to an onboard human observer. Fishery data that will be collected from fishermen and fishmongers
will provide information including fishing locations, gear types, landings, species and amounts
caught, species and amounts discarded, and catch sampling data.
In conclusion, this research will develop and assist in the implementation strategies by making the
best available scientific data and analysis readily accessible to everyone with an interest in fisheries.
Hence, this research endeavor will be able to offer unprecedented ways of exploring and interacting
with the fishery data. The advantages of fisheries sciences will be examined. Whilst the understanding
of the identified weaknesses in the current fishery data collection would be utilized, for the sustainable
management of both the present and future situations of the fisheries resources.

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C. WOMEN AND CHILDREN WELL-BEING IN FISHERIES COMMUNITIES

Despite of the needs to catch up with the latest technology, the social studies area should not be
neglected as well. The existing underlying issues pertaining the women and children of Kuala Rompin
fishing community should be addressed. Research must be conducted on aspects such as children's
education, income generation for housewives and long-term living protections. The women of Kuala
Rompin fishing community need to be exposed to more profitable marketing techniques. When
mothers are working to earn “side income” or attending courses, there must be a support system such
as childcare to assist these working mothers. Vital steps must be taken because the national support
system is still evolving. Other factors such as “feeling unsafe” leaving a child at home and childcare
centers’ expensive fees are among the factors influencing mothers to just stay at home.
Government had organized extra academic classes for fishermen. However, according to the
respondents, the class received cold response from the target group. At this time, we have not
identified the exact reasons why these extra academic classes was not attended by the children. It is
possible that the students did not attend the academic classes due to unexpected factors. In addition,
early childhood education that should start as early as 4 years old requires research and
implementation strategies. At the national level, although the importance of early education has been
emphasized, implementations in special communities such as fishermen require different strategies.
Studies on children with special needs in the fishing community should also be conducted.
Knowledge of early treatment needs for learning disorders such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other
learning problems should be aggressively addressed.
D. REHABILITATION OF MARINE RESOURCES THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF ARTIFICIAL REEFS
The final subproject that we can focus on is managing the artificial reefs by recycling abandoned
boats. Artificial reef placement not only serves to increase fish population but also prevents trawling
activities. This is because the artificial reef can damage the nets. The idea of using an abandoned boat
was conveyed by the fishermen during our interview with them. They said that boats made of wood
are the most effective artificial reef for fish breeding. Additionally, using a used boat does not require
additional cost as it uses recycle materials. The Department of Environment has determined that the
engine must be thoroughly cleaned before being towed to sea. The use of used boats has long been a
concern for fishermen, but logistic issues such as labor, transportation requirements for towing the
boats and the approval of artificial reef usage have been the factors in preventing this idea from being
realized immediately. This method is not only having much lower execution cost, but also much better
for the environment. Studies of methodologies for assessing the effectiveness and impacts of artificial
reefs, and standardized monitoring procedures will be conducted. It is also hoped that these exercises
are able to generate new employment opportunities. One possible new employment opportunity is
the installation of sensors for the new communication network infrastructure. This infrastructure is a
part of the futuristic Internet of Things (IoT) implementation. Another opportunity is the managing
of artificial reefs. This process is required in order to ensure that these reefs will yield the desired
outcomes for both the biological resources and users. Effective management of these artificial reefs
will reduce potential risks such as damage to fishing gears, injuries to recreational divers visiting the
reef, decomposed materials or movement of reefs.

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 International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology
Vol. 29, No. 7, (2020), pp. 4924-4937

VII. CONCLUSION
Marine fish is an important “commodity”; it is one of the main sources of food and one of the main
sources of income in Malaysia. Apart from contributing to the national Gross Domestic Product
(GDP), it also provides employment opportunity and a source of protein supply for people in the
country. Our research findings are based on the actual information obtained while conducting a survey
on the fishing community in Kuala Rompin, Malaysia. From this survey, we found that the major
concern is the lack of system that would promote self-governance and sustainable fishing industry.
The other identified issues are the absence of an alternative emergency response system, the scarcity
of information pertaining the fish-abundance trends and growths, the lack of awareness on self-
empowerment and independent living, the depletion of fish resources due to illegal overfishing, and
insufficient efforts in restoring the fish resources. We have proposed detail solutions on
communication network, emergency response and safety communication system, marine fishery data,
women and children well-being and the establishment of artificial reefs.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We would like to thank UNITEN Chancellor Foundation (YCU) for funding this study.

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W.HASHIM Wahidah Hashim received the bachelor’s degree in information

technology, business management and language from the University of York,
U.K., the M.Sc. degree in multimedia technology from the University of Bath,
U.K., and the Ph.D. degree in telecommunication engineering from King’s College
London, U.K. She has been with the Institute of Informatics and Computing in
Energy (IICE), Universiti Tenaga Nasional, as an Associate Professor, since 2016.
Wahidah is a trainer at International Malaysia Training Centre.

FARIDAH HANI M.SALLEH Faridah Hani has completed her Ph.D. in

Computer Science in the year 2019. Most of her research work involving data
analytics techniques, with application to biology-related data. In her research, she
proposed the best method to analyze data with the following characteristics;
stochastic, non-linear, multidimensional, and data affected mainly by
multicollinearity. She tested several regression-based methods, machine learning
and statistical-based methods in her works.

H. MOHD RADZI She has completed her Ph.D. candidate in USIM Faculty of
Leadership and Management majoring in Guidance and Counselling. A graduate
of IIUM, she obtained her first degree from of Kulliyah of Human Sciences
majoring in Psychology in 2001. She pursued her study in guidance and counseling
from UPM Faculty of Education and completed her master in the same field in
2011. She joined UNITEN since 2007 till date where she teaches, counsel and
provide training for both student and staff in house and outside of campus. She is
a registered and licensed counselor certified by Board of Counsellor Malaysia (KB02159)

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 International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology
Vol. 29, No. 7, (2020), pp. 4924-4937

(PA01608), Certifies HRDF Trainers (TTT/7057) and NLP Certified Member

0115-311322 (International).

S. MOHD DAUD is currently a professor at Razak Faculty of Technology and

Informatics at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur., She holds her
Phd, MSc and BSc in Electronics and Electrical Engineering. Her vast
experience in conducting research and teaching, has won her several excellence
service awards. She has actively research in blockchain technology and published hundreds of
papers. Her background and achievement and be retrieved at https://people.utm.my/salwani/.

Z. ISMAIL Zurina is currently a researcher at the Institute of Energy and

Research (IEPRe), UNITEN and lecturer at College of Business Management
and Accounting (COBA), UNITEN. She holds a Master Business Administration
from UNITEN, and Bachelor Degree in Mass Communication (Hons), USM.
Most of her research are reflections of social economic im0000000pact studies.
Her most recent on-going research project is the Prepaid Meter Implementation
and its Potential Economic Impact to Malaysia Electricity Industry funded by the
Energy Commission.

R. OMAR Ridha Omar is from the Department of Informatics, Universiti

Tenaga Nasional. He involves actively in managing Visual Media and
Graphics & Multimedia programs by designing the curriculum and course
structures. He teaches courses of virtual reality, comic and manga drawing,
digital game design, principles of design & infographics and computer
modelling and
creativity.

A. Hussain Dr. Azham Hussain is the Associate Professor of Software

Engineering at UUM School of Computing. He is the founder and head of
Human-Centered Computing Research Group which is affiliated with the
Software Technology Research Platform Center at School of Computing,
Universiti Utara Malaysia. Azham Hussain is a member of the US-based
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), and actively involved
in both IEEE Communications and IEEE Computer societies. Azham is
published in the areas of software evaluation and testing, user behaviours, group collaboration, and
ubiquitous and mobile technology design.

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Copyright ⓒ 2020 SERSC