Jebsen & Jessen and Social Hero Foundation Partnered to Empower Mersing Fishing Community and Promote Marine Conservation

 MERSING, JOHOR – The Social Hero Foundation (SHF), in a powerful collaboration with Jebsen & Jessen (J&J), proudly announces the successful conclusion of the “Meet the Need – ​ Mersing Programme.” This impactful initiative, which ran from August 23rd to August 29th, was designed to empower marginalized fishing communities and foster environmental sustainability in one of Johor’s most climate-vulnerable districts. The program culminated in a special ceremony at Jeti Teluk Buih on August 27, 2025.

The project directly supported 300 fishermen, providing them with essential tools and training to help secure their livelihoods. These fishermen, many of whom faced socioeconomic difficulties from reduced fishing zones and climate change, were the primary beneficiaries of the program’s efforts. The distributed items included fish traps (bubu ikan), fishing nets (jaring ikan), crab nets (bento ketam), and the construction of semi-artificial fish houses (unjam ikan).

The recipients were drawn from seven key locations, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of the program. The distribution of beneficiaries was as follows: Teluk Buih, Tanjung Leman, Pulau Aur, Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Sibu, Pulau Pemanggil, and Endau.

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial dropping of sea culverts and semi-artificial fish houses, approximately 10-20 km from the shore. This significant action, which contributes to marine conservation and the growth of fish habitats, was witnessed by a number of distinguished guests. Jebsen & Jessen Chairman, Heinrich Jessen, and Social Hero Foundation Trustee, Datuk Seri Teo Shiok Fu, were present to engage directly with the community and officiate this pivotal moment. Their participation underscored the deep-rooted commitment of both organizations to this initiative.

The program was further honored by the presence of the District Officer of Mersing, Tuan Haji Jamil Hasni, who was involved in the earlier stages of the program, demonstrating the strong support from local government bodies.

The tangible impact of the program was deeply felt by the local community. Faizal and Saiful, two brothers who were among the recipients, shared their appreciation, noting that they were “very happy to have received these fishing items,” which they described as “a great help.” The brothers expressed their sincere gratitude, stating, “We thank the Social Hero Foundation and Jebsen & Jessen for their generosity and for thinking of us. Such thoughtful support from non-governmental organizations and corporate partners is a rare occurrence for many in our community.”

In addition to providing fishing gear, the program focused on long-term sustainability by introducing alternative income streams. Participants were taken on educational visits to two oyster mushroom farms, located in Kampung Sri Pantai and Kampung Makam. This innovative approach provides fishermen with a crucial, alternative income source during the challenging monsoon season, helping to build their resilience against economic shocks.

The “Meet the Need – Mersing Programme” is a multi-faceted initiative that aligns with seven key pillars: Marine Conservation, Empowerment of Fishermen, Reforestation, Sustainable Fishing, Inclusion, Nature Education, and Growth of Social Enterprises. It serves as a practical model for addressing real-world community challenges by providing both environmental and livelihood-based solutions. This collaborative effort between corporate and non-profit sectors provides a blueprint for fostering a more self-sufficient and environmentally conscious society.

~ Article originally published by My Johor Online