By Peter Sibon
BAKUN, Belaga, Nov 22: There is an urgent need to set up a fish hatching centre at the Bakun hydroelectric power (HEP) dam to supply indigenous fish fry for its massive lake as well as for the lake at Murum HEP dam.
Such an effort is also meant to meet the needs of the central region, said Awang Alim Awang Kasim, acting senior assistant director (Inland Fisheries) of the Department of Agriculture Sarawak.
Besides tilapia, indigenous fish that are high in demand now are baong, tapah, semah, tengadak and, of the course, the most expensive fish on the market — empurau.
“There is an urgency to set up a fish hatchery station in Bakun. But we need the necessary funding to do so,” said Awang Alim after releasing empurau fry at Long Jelini at the Bakun Lake here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang said he would try to solicit for the necessary funding as this initiative would benefit the local people, especially those who have been affected by the dam project and are now resettled at Sg Asap Resettlement Scheme.
“If need be, I will bring the matter up to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg as the matter is very urgent,” said Liwan.
Currently, fish fry such as empurau have to be transported from Tarat in Serian Division, as it is the only empurau hatchery station in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
