TANJUNG MANIS: Thanks to the state government’s effort to plant artificial reefs in the area, the district’s potential to transform into a fish paradise continues to grow.
Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said more than 600 reefball-type artificial reefs were placed over 30km in Belawai to Paloh waters as an initiative to conserve maritime diversity, thus ensuring sustainable growth of the Tanjung Manis fishery and surrounding areas.
Len Talif, who is also Kuala Rajang assemblyman, stated, “In addition to being a breeding ground for fish, the artificial reefs also act as a deterrent to foreign fishermen’s activities.
“These reefs also help enrich the marine life by ensuring that only certain methods of fishing are possible.”
“I believe that through the efforts of the state government, Belawai fishermen have the opportunity to generate additional income by bringing anglers to the area for recreational purposes, especially on weekends,” he added.
He said this when officiating at the “Safari Memancing Tanjung Manis” programme organised by Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) here yesterday.
Touching on the programme, Len Talif said it was aimed at promoting Tanjung Manis to the public to keep up with the latest developments in the area.
“We are delighted that such a competition has succeeded in making the Tanjung Manis name known to the outside community.”
The ‘Safari Memancing Tanjung Manis’, which was introduced 16 years ago, continues to be popular and remains the focus of anglers to this day.
The latest edition saw the participation of 263 anglers comprising 32 participants for the deep sea category, 84 for coastal and 147 for riverbank.
Also present at the event was STIDC general manager Hashim Bojet.
