Harnessing ICT for Sustainable Fisheries Development in Malaysia

Abstract

There is a considerable relationship between information and communication technology (ICT), community and
industry development. Abundance of previous research have tried to investigate ICT benefits for groups such as
farmers, rural community, urban community, students, teacher and businessmen but yet there has been very
little research on the roles of ICT can play for the development of the fisheries industry and the fishermen. Based
on this problem statement, this paper aim to fulfill the three objectives determined which are to 1) to identify the
most preferred ICT among the fishermen; 2) to identify the problems and obstacles faced by the fishermen in
using ICT and 3) to determine the benefits that ICT can offer to the fishermen. This is a qualitative study; data
was gained through four in-depth interviews guided by an interview guide with responsible agencies officers and
fishermen. The questions served as a guide, but allowed respondents freedom and flexibility in their answers.
ICT in this paper refer to global positioning system (GPS), sonar, wireless set, computer, internet and mobile
phone. Based on the results gained, it can be concluded that GPS is the most preferred ICT among the
fishermen. Among problems that need to be overcome to further encourage ICT usage among the fishermen are
the negative attitude towards ICT usage, expensive cost, still depends on the traditional way, no exposure on ICT
usage and ICT benefits, and no need for them to use the computer and the internet and increasing age. Based on
the analyses done, it can be concluded that ICT offers a lot of benefits such as increasing socio-economic level
of the fishermen, increase fishermen knowledge and skills on ICT, ease the communication process and enhance
the safety aspects of the fishermen when they are on the sea. Based on the results gained it is recommended
that the number of ICT seminar, workshop and course given to the fishermen should be doubled with the older
fishermen should be included as one of the target groups while ICT subsidy for the fishermen can be given to the
fishermen who need it.