SPAOH: Yellow pufferfish can be Spaoh’s next food export and tourism product said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He pointed out that the fish is well known in Batang Saribas especially during its spawning season from June until September.
Uggah said the fish is special as it requires careful preparation to remove deadly poison from its blood vessels and egg membrane.
“But the locals here can do this very well. In Japan the fish is a specialty dish which people pay huge sums to taste at high end restaurants,” he said when officiating at the annual Pufferfish Fest at Kampung Manggut here yesterday.
He suggested that a study be carried out to ensure the fish’s long-term survival.
“We have to identify its spawning areas along Batang Saribas so we can preserve the species.
“By doing that we can ensure its continuous supply so that we can develop it as a unique food and tourism product,” he said.
During the programme, Uggah revealed that a request would be made to the state’s Public Works Department for a more conducive site to host future programmes.
He also announced an allocation of RM30,000 to the festival committee which was topped up with another RM30,000 by Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat and RM25,000 from Saribas assemblyman Mohammad Razi Sitam who were present at the programme.
The deputy chief minister cautioned the locals on the presence of outsiders coming to discredit the state GPS government and to divide the people with their propagandas.
He reminded them that the GPS was formed to protect the state’s rights and wealth apart from charting out economic development programmes.
Uggah presented prizes to winners of a regatta event which was the highlight of the festival.
