TEBEDU: Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom has urged the Kampung Terbat Mawang community to embrace sustainable development and ecotourism initiatives.
The Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development commended them for their successful fish farming venture using the tagang system, where fish are sold at RM250 per kg.
However, he noted the challenge of sustaining this income and proposed diversifying into ecotourism as a supplementary source of revenue.
“I’m sure there are some ways to establish a better system, one that we can improve upon to not only increase the production of fish but also ensure they receive a decent return.
“Apart from other agricultural activities, I propose that they delve into ecotourism.
“I’ve been made to understand that they have a plan to build a chalet, attract visitors, and possibly impose some form of entrance fee. This should be thoroughly looked into and reviewed.”
Dr Rundi told the New Sarawak Tribune this when visiting the Tagang project at Kampung Terbat Mawang here on Friday (April 5).
He encouraged the adoption of digital technologies, such as online marketing, to promote products and attract visitors to the village.
He stressed the need for effective marketing strategies to manage expectations regarding the seasonal availability of products.
Looking ahead, he envisioned Kampung Terbat Mawang as a model for ecotourism development, aligning with Sarawak’s digitalisation efforts and smart farming initiatives.
“They can engage in online marketing and more, and the government can also provide assistance.
“I’m very confident that Kampung Terbat Mawang will have a great future in ecotourism.”
During the programme, Dr Rundi allocated a sum of RM20,000 to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and project members of the tagang system to support their activities.
Additionally, he contributed RM10,000 to the village women’s bureau to assist them in organising related activities.
Earlier, a total of 6,000 fish fry were released into the river of Kampung Terbat Mawang, where the community utilises the tagang system.
Also present was Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Martin Ben, who is also the Kedup assemblyman.
