CATCH OF THE DAY: Len (second right) and Sarudu (right) show the top prize catches in the deep sea category as Paul and others look on.
TANJUNG MANIS: The fishing industry is a source of lucrative income to those who know its potentials and possess the ability to exploit them.
However, many local fishermen are yet to tap its full potential, lamented Belawai assemblyman Datu Len Talif Salleh.
Among the notable reasons contributing to the unfavourable scenario was lack of serious involvement among the local fishing community, he pointed out, adding that another setback was that they had yet to master the art of deep sea fishing as well as modern methods and technology.
He therefore felt there was a need to organise activities to serve as an eye-opener for the people to see the ample economic opportunities in their surroundings.
Len made the remarks when he officially closed the two-day Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari 2011 here yesterday.
“I hope through the organising of the fishing safari and other recreational fishing activities, we can help to build greater interest among the local fishing fraternity to exploit the potential of the industry,” he said.
Considering the local community as a fortunate lot for being close to the new economic growth centre – the likes of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and Halal Hub – Len hoped that they would be able to sense or detect the opportunities that come by.
“It is my sincere hope that the locals will not become observers of the development taking place in their area, but make full use of it to improve their livelihood by becoming the main players,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) general manager Datu Sarudu Hoklai in his speech earlier expressed readiness to make Tanjung Manis fishing safari a grander event starting next year.
Towards that end, he said they would try to invite Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to grace next year’s event, adding that they believed the chief minister would be able to inject great ideas in rebranding Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari into a tourism sports product.
Among those present were Belawai sub-district senior administrative officer Abang Mohamad Abang Turki and STIDC central region manager Paul Lau.