BY VIVYNNA ANN CHABU
KUCHING: Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni lauded the organisation of the Bako Suntong Festival, highlighting its positive impact on the tourism and fisheries industries in Demak Laut.
According to him, five industries contribute to the district’s income – fisheries, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and port.
“After this, we will introduce a new industry, the hydrogen industry, that will also be established in our district.
“To increase the socioeconomy of not only people in Demak Laut, these five industries need enhancement and be given more attention so residents in Kuching also stand to benefit.”
He said this during the officiation of the Suntong Festival opening ceremony at Bako National Park Passenger Terminal here on Wednesday (June 5).
Dr Hazland also stated his plan of improving the area of Demak Laut, which had already been implemented starting with the medan selera (food court) and a new fish market.
He also mentioned a project to construct roadside stalls, valued at RM10mil, for residents of Bako and Kuching.
“We might also develop a new waterfront in Bako soon, but we need to wait for the Premier to make the announcement first.”
The Bako Suntong Festival concluded with a competition for the heaviest and longest cuttlefish.
First place for the longest cuttlefish was awarded to Wan Rahman Wan Ambi with a 14in cuttlefish, followed by Nur Adibah Ahmad with a 12in cuttlefish, and Abdul Muhaimin Kamaludin with a 9in cuttlefish.
In the heaviest cuttlefish category, Abdul Muhaimin Kamaludin won with a 250g cuttlefish, followed by Wan Rahman Wan Ambi with a 230g cuttlefish, and Nur Adibah Ahmad with a 170g cuttlefish.