By Gabriel Lihan & Natasha Jee
KUCHING: The Sarawak government intends to further boost and promote its marine tourism industry by enabling tourists to engage in sport fishing and scuba diving in the state.
According to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, following the success of the Sarawak Reef Ball Project Phase 1, the state would carry out phase 2 of the project.
“It will be implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) next year.
“We will provide allocation for the (second phase) project, which will focus on the promotion of tourism-coral reefs and sport fishing,” he said.
He said this to reporters in a press conference after witnessing the deployment of the last artificial reef balls under the Sarawak Reef Ball Project Phase 1 (2018-2022) at Kampung Telaga Air Jetty here today.
Abang Johari explained that the second phase of the project would be slightly different from the first and be carried out in identified areas along the waters of Kuching up to Miri.
“We can see that a lot more Singaporeans are now visiting Miri to enjoy and discover sport fishing, including in Telaga Air,” he said.
He elaborated further, saying that Telaga Air had a plenty of rented boats, enhancing the local villagers’ income.
“The marine conservation initiative implemented by the state government through Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has shown success.
“This can be seen not only in increased fish breeding, but also in many turtle landings, such as on the beaches of Telok Melano as well as in Similajau National Park in Bintulu,” said Abang Johari.
