By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 17: Tanjung Manis is set to drive Sarawak’s second wave of development under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announcing that the iconic Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari will also be elevated as an annual event in the State’s tourism calendar to attract more domestic and international visitors.
Abang Johari said the development of the Rajang Delta and Tanjung Manis would focus on food security, tourism, and downstream agri-food industries, making the region a major hub of growth.
“Among the key projects is the large-scale planting of ‘Josapine’ pineapples, which will position Sarawak as a leading producer of high-quality pineapples for both domestic and international markets.
“We want Tanjung Manis to be the centre for pineapple cultivation and processing, generating income and job opportunities for local communities,” he said when officiating at the closing of the Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari 2025 at Tanjung Manis Express Terminal today.
He explained that beyond agri-food, Tanjung Manis is also being developed as a modern industrial hub with a port, airport, tourism facilities, and a green economy centre.
Confident that this ‘second wave of development’ will boost the regional economy, Abang Johari stressed that it will also ensure Sarawakians enjoy greater spillover benefits.
On the Fishing Safari, Abang Johari said the event’s inclusion in the official State tourism calendar would position it as an international attraction.
“Fishing is no longer just a hobby, it has become a new industry. With its inclusion in the calendar, international anglers can prepare early to participate, bringing direct economic benefits to local communities,” he said.
He noted that Tanjung Manis has natural advantages with its fish-rich waters and accommodation facilities that can be further enhanced, making it an ideal venue for international-standard recreational events.
The initiative, he added, aligns with the government’s aspiration to strengthen eco- and community-based tourism, while branding Tanjung Manis as a distinctive destination in Sarawak.
Also present were were Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah, and other dignitaries. — DayakDaily
