He said LKIM’s claims were baseless and were merely lies spewed by Barisan Nasional during the current twin by-election campaigns.

“These allegations are not true at all. The Selangor Government cares about the suffering of fishermen in the state.

“We will continue to help them to ensure that they get all the help necessary.

“I hope those in Barisan Nasional do not spread lies in their election campaigns.

“Please don’t do this; it is the holy month of Ramadan,” he told reporters at the Penang Hospital here today.

Azmin said Selangor was merely planning to improve conditions at dilapidated jetties along its coasts.

He said at present, there were many illegal jetties and the local governments were on the lookout for hazards and safety risks to fishermen.

“Our proposal is that these jetties be redeveloped and then later handed over to LKIM for approval,” Azmin added.

Yesterday, LKIM Chairman Irrmohizam Ibrahim told Bernama that Selangor should reconsider implementing a so-called “jetty tax” for fishermen in the state.

“Until today, I am still waiting for an official statement from the Selangor Government saying that they would not charge fishermen at landing points.

“I have heard they are planning to charge at least RM600 per landing.

“But now they are also planning to impose inventory charges as well,” he told Bernama in Sungai Besar, Selangor, yesterday.

Earlier, Azmin and Penang PKR leaders paid a visit to Kedah MB Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, who is warded at the Penang Hospital.

Bashah underwent intestinal surgery two weeks ago.