Socioeconomic status of fishermen in Kuala Terengganu

Abstract

The principal objective of the study is to identify and analyze the factors that could affect the socioeconomic profile of fishermen in three areas of Kuala Terengganu, namely Chendering, Batu Rakit and Kuala Nerus. The study interviewed 60 respondents using a set of an open ended questionnaire. In order to attain the objectives, the study employed a multiple linear regression model. The regression model determined some independent variables, namely education level, health status, working experience, family size, Income from family members including respondent, Income of all family members including respond received from other sources and age of respondents. The study found that there are significant relationships exist between the dependent variable, which is the total household income of fishermen and the independent variables. Three independent variables are found to have positive relationships with the total household income and they are education level, health status and working experience of the respondents. On the other hand, the independent variables of family size, age and income received from other sources are found to have a negative relationship with the total household income of fishermen. However, the causal relationships of all the above factors have been analyzed logically and systematically. The study has suggested some policies that are expected to help improve socioeconomic indicators of fishermen and enable them to come out of poverty. For example, the study suggests, among others, that the fishermen need more support from the government in order for them to be equipped with modern and sophisticated fishing technologies, which may enable them to increase their income and ultimately come out of poverty.