KUCHING: Fishermen communities in the state have been urged to boldly pursue the business potentials of fish products.
“The fishing industry is not just about fish per se, but also about related products and businesses such as fish-based food products, sports fishing, eco-tourism, homestays, etc,” said State Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) deputy director, Intan Suhaila Othman.
She said this at the 41st annual general meeting of Buntal Fishermen’s Association at Sri Buntal Hall, Kampung Buntal today.
“In accordance with the National Agro-food Policy 2011–2020 and the direction set by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) based on the 2019–2020 strategy, LKIM will align its effort with those of agricultural entrepreneurs,” she said.
She also mentioned that in 2018 there were around 300 such entrepreneurs registered with LKIM and this year they will be categorised into “active” and “passive” groups.
“Those who are active and registered with Matrade will be promoted through programmes such as Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism (Maha), the Malaysian International Halal Showcase (Mihas) and so on,” she said.
She said the effort is to bring out the best among the entrepreneurs with the aim of commercialising their produce/products with support from LKIM.
“Among the contributions of LKIM is ‘keropok lekor’ Sarawak sold at a waterfront stall by a trader from Sri Muara Fishery Association and Sarawak Fishermen’s Association.
She pointed that there is the export of fish to consider as can seen at Tanjung Manis from where fish are export to Thailand and other places.
But of course the fish must be landed first at LKIM port for inspection and recording, she said.
“For now, LKIM is looking at Tanjung Bako in Kuching as the next port for export of fish from Sarawak,” said Intan, who noted that Sarawak has the best and most bountiful fishing grounds in Malaysia.
So far, she said, Sarawak waters are relatively safe from big scale illegal fishing by foreigners.
