Fisherfolk in southern Johor, including those in Tanjung Piai and Pontian, will be receiving RM1,000 in special aid from the state government.

Johor Menteri Besar Sahruddin Jamal said this aid has been given annually since 2015 to fisherfolk affected by development in southern Johor.

At a press conference in Kota Iskandar today, he said there are 1,513 aid recipients in Gelang Patah, Pulai, Pasir Gudang, Johor Bahru, Tebrau, Pontian and Tanjung Piai.

Of the recipients, 544 are from Pontian and Tanjung Piai.

Sahruddin said this should not be perceived as vote-buying in the Tanjung Piai by-election.

"This shouldn't be an issue. We are the trustees and we are fulfilling a promise," he said.

As for the timing of the special aid, he said it is usually given in October or November, after the state government receives census data from the Fisheries Department.

The aid will be distributed, by hand, in three phases starting next week, with all payments made by the year-end, Sahruddin added.

Polling for the Tanjung Piai by-election will be on Nov 16. Fishing is a key sector in the constituency, particularly in Kukup.