In a press statement, Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, said he was not accusing all fishermen for selling their subsidised petrol.

By exposing the act, he said, he had hoped the abuse be controlled so that all help would be channeled to the fishermen who deserved the subsidies.

"Isn't it better when the grants are being shared by the deserving fishermen? In this way, the system can work better and in the long run, the fishermen can receive more when the subsidies are only being shared among them."

Tiong said he was sad that his statements in the parliament had been twisted by certain people for political gain.

He called on the fishermen in Sarawak not to be misled, adding that if they wanted to have a complete picture of the parliamentary debate on the issue, they could visit www.parlimen.gov.my.

He said during the debate, he was referring to the abuse in the whole country. "I am not hitting out at the abusing fishermen in Sarawak only."

On those who had abused the subsidies in Sarawak, Tiong said he would not reveal names.

"I hope to give them a chance. I hope they will understand the consequences of their act." 

Tiong said the fishermen had their families to feed. "If I expose them now, their licences might be suspended and their families will suffer."

He said he had been challenged by members of the opposition parties in the parliament to reveal their names, but, he refused.

"I hope the fishermen who have abusing the subsidies will stop doing so. If they refuse to, the rest of the fishermen will be dragged down by them."

Tiong said if he did not understand the sufferings of the fishermen, he would not have spoken out for them in the parliament, including the issue on fishermen involving in the Ali Baba.type of business.

He asked members of the Sarawak Fishing Trawler Association whether they would agree that such abuse be controlled for their benefits.

Tiong, in the parliamentary debate, has spoken out against foreign fishermen operating with the licences of the Ali Baba fishermen getting the petrol subsidies, but, bringing the fish harvest home.

He said he had suggested on giving out petrol subsidies based on fish harvest so that the abuse could be checked efficiently.

"I hope members of the opposition parties and the fishermen will understand that the subsidies have come from the pocket of the people. Therefore, we should stop the abuse."

And how much the government has paid on the petrol subsidies of the fishermen? Tiong said, "In 2006, the amount was RM657 million. In 2007, it was 700 million, and this year, it is RM870 million."

The club chairman said this did not include the subsidy of RM200 for each registered fishermen, the total amount of which was 150 million.

"The government has also given out to the fishermen 1 Sen for each kg of their fish harvest, the amount of which adds up to RM130 million."

Tiong said if the fishermen needed help on their subsidy problems, they could approach his club.
"Our members are willing to help, but, I hope you will not be misled."