By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 18: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to use new technology to aid in the research and conservation of ikan terubuk.
He said that the technology, which will be capable of diving up to 300 metres underwater to capture data, will provide insights into the species’ habitat.
“Previously, research on ikan terubuk was conducted at Pulau Seduku with assistance from New Zealand, but no concrete outcomes have been achieved.
“With this new technology, we hope to conduct further studies to explore modern breeding methods for the species,” he said during a press conference after officiating Wisma Lestari, SFC today, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
Elaborating on the reason for conducting research on ikan terubuk, the Premier said that it is crucial as the species found in Batang Lupar and Batang Lassa exhibit slight differences—some even suggest a possible link to the ones in Bangladesh.
“With this device, we will be able to research how to breed these fish to prevent its population from declining, which could lead to extinction,” he said.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Sarawak Attorney-General, Dato Sri Saferi Ali; Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Yau Sin; and SFC general manager, Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, were also present. — DayakDaily
