Long Lidong Tagang system a model of best practice

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Dr Abdul Rahman holds up an Ikan Semah he picked up from the river.

BA KELALAN: The Long Lidong Tagang system has been called a model of best practice that should be emulated elsewhere in the state.

Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the communal method of fisheries management has developed into a unique natural attraction.

“With extensive promotion, tourists would love this – refreshing environment, fisheries conservation, and tame fish swimming in the river,” he said during a visit on Thursday.

“The ministry and the Agriculture Department will channel funds to upgrade or improve the infrastructure so that Long Lidong’s Tagang system can be promoted for agro-tourism in the state, country and abroad.”

He called on the community to conduct regular patrols of Sungai Tengoa, particularly along the smaller rivers that are sanctuaries for the highly-prized Ikan Semah.

Dr Abdul Rahman also announced a minor rural project grant of RM5,000 for a facelift to make the area more inviting for visitors.

The village, about 40km from Lawas town, began using the system in 2006 under a smart partnership with the Inland Fisheries Division of the Department of Agriculture.

Under the system, around 2.4km of Sungai Tengoa was divided into red, yellow, blue, and green zones, where fishing required the approval of the Tagang committee.

The replenished river is now teeming with fish.

There are now 23 villages statewide using the Tagang system.