Dr Hazland (third left), Belayong (fourth left) and others releasing fish fry into the river despite the rain.
Dr Hazland signs the Malaysia Book of Records plaque, witnessed by Belayong (left). — Photos by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Bako has the potential to be developed as a fish production centre given that there are several acres of unused ponds in the area that can be used to rear various kinds of fish, prawns and others, said Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
“We can apply for fish fry from the Fisheries Department, and I can follow up with the department so that we can develop the fisheries industry here,” he said after releasing fish fry into the river at Bako Terminal yesterday.
The releasing of 10,000 sea bass fry was part of the National Fishermen Wave 2017 programme to be held on Oct 12-14 at Kuala Kerteh, Terengganu.
Dr Hazland said the release was done simultaneously throughout the country, creating a record for the biggest fish fry release done simultaneously in the Malaysia Book of Records.
A total of half million fish fry were released nationwide yesterday.
“I was told that in six to seven months, the fry released today (yesterday), 80 to 90 per cent will mature and benefit the people here, increasing their catch and income.”
At the event, he presented a GPS handheld unit and net hauler worth RM8,500; two units of keropok processing machine worth RM56,000; 54 units of lifevests worth RM10,260; and boat ramp and transit hut project at Kampung Bako Hilir worth RM237,432.
State Fisheries Department director Belayong Nyuak was present at the event.