SIBU, Sept 27: The docking of 60 units of artificial reefs at a cost of RM889,800 will help to improve the economy of coastal fishermen in Pulau Bruit, Daro.
In stating this, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Abdullah Saidol said the laying of the reefs in the sea had many benefits.
“These artificial reefs act as a barrier to prevent damage to trawlers, rehabilitate habitat of demersal fish
caused by trawlers encroachment, create new habitat areas for fish and other marine lives and support the development of recreational fisheries,” he said at the construction of the artificial reefs in Durin today.
The project is undertaken by State Marine Department while the Public Works Department is the implementing agency.
Abdullah said the construction of the reefs would take four months. Upon completion, the reefs will be brought to Pulau Bruit and later docked in Tanjung Sirik sea.
“For the record, from 2019 to 2021, a total of RM2 million has been allocated for this project in Pulau Bruit where 50 units were docked in 2019. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, a sum of RM20 million has been set aside for the purpose where RM4 million is to be spent each year for five years,” he added. – DayakDaily
