KUCHING, Oct 26: Sarawak government has spent a total of RM70 million since 2018 for the purpose of planting an artificial reef to preserve marine life throughout the state’s waters.
According to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, the initiative would help to preserve the marine environment as well as provide food source and income for the local fishermen.
“At the same time, it will help to boost the state’s tourism industry through activities such as sport fishing in Belawai and Mukah, including the local food and beverage industry.
“It will also help the local fishermen to increase their income,” said Abang Johari during the launching ceremony of Reef Ball planting held in Kem Putra Sentosa in Sematan, today.
Earlier, Abang Johari went on a boat for an anchoring ceremony of the artificial reef balls in Sampadi-Tanjung Datu waters.
During the ceremony, he also presented a cheque to the members of the Turtle Conservation Programme in Talang-Talang Kecil Island, certificates to Turtle Preservation Volunteers and a Fishermen Fishing Equipment Input Assistance (BIPPN) cheque of RM640,000 to the local fishermen.
Also present were Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh; Tanjung Datu assemblywoman Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu and other distinguished guests. –DayakDaily.
