by Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 6: Otong Ni-ee, a communal fish pond located in Kampung Riih Daso, Serian, has the potential to be developed further as a new fishing spot for anglers.
Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus said the communal village’s fish pond needs better infrastructure so anglers and visitors from Serian or elsewhere can enjoy better facilities when they visit.
John was there to officiate Otong Ni-ee’s inaugural freshwater fishing competition, luring eager anglers eager to land the largest catch of the day for cash prizes.
“Today, the fishing competition is an ‘experimental’ event, and we want to continue with this kind of competition in the future,” he said during his speech before the closing and prizegiving ceremony of the fishing competition.
He urged enthusiastic anglers to take up the challenge as they will organise a similar event next year.
“We will improve any weaknesses we face this year and hope to accommodate the anglers better,” he said.
Self-employed 37-year-old Iki-shafih Hashim was crowned the champion, landing the largest catch among 50 participating competitors.
Hailing from Muara Tuang in Samarahan, Iki-shafih won a total of RM1,300 in prize money, a trophy and a medal.
“I have never won any fishing competition I entered before. I came here for a retreat and to have fun. It seems lady luck was on my side today,” he said.
He said the competition was challenging as it was difficult to land a catch.
“Maybe if the organisers release more fish, it could be more fun,” he enthused.
Iki-shafih won with his catch, a catfish weighing over 1kg at the competition. — DayakDaily
