By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Jan 16: After more than 50 years along the Sungai Apong riverbank, the Kuching Apong River Fish Trap Association is now preparing to relocate as redevelopment looms over the historic site.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) chief Milton Foo said the purpose of his involvement was to help the association find a solution.
“They have proposed and identified a new location, so I am exploring how I can help make the relocation possible.
“But several authorities need to be involved. I have reported this matter to my party president, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“I will continue to update him and definitely seek his assistance to help the fishermen with this relocation plan,” he said during a press conference at the Kuching Apong River Fish Trap Association resting area in Jalan Sungai Apong here today.
Foo said the association, which has occupied the land rent-free for over 50 years, received a letter last year from the corporate landowner requesting that they vacate the site for redevelopment. He said the association is willing to relocate and is grateful to the landowner.
He noted that the site has long been used as a boat dock and tempat rehat (rest area) for fishermen, once housing nearly 100 fishing boats in the 1980s, but now fewer than 10.
Association president Lau Hong Joong said the decline was due to changing times, with no younger generation taking over the fishing trade, making it difficult to hire workers.
According to Foo, the proposed new site is located near a market and requires clearing works before it can be used as a boat parking bay.
“Behind the market is a large piece of land and a riverbank, but the area is overgrown. We need the authorities to clear the vegetation and soil to turn it into a parking bay,” he said.
Foo also said the new location must be able to accommodate at least 20 boats to cater for future needs.
The original deadline to dismantle the site was Dec 31, 2025, before the corporate landowner granted a short extension until March 3, 2026.
Despite the challenges, Foo said he remains committed to helping the fishermen secure a better location.
The Sungai Apong site is expected to be dismantled by March 3, marking the end of a long chapter of history while opening the door to a new era for the fishing community. — DayakDaily
