Uggah tours the fishing vessel.
MIRI: The RM20 million ‘Giat Maju’ equipped with the latest technology and set to be the largest fishing vessel in the country’s Marine Fisheries Department fleet will start going out to sea end of this month.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah had the honour to launch the vessel recently.
He said the vessel would be able to tap the abundant marine life in Sarawak’s deep seas.
Director of Shin Yang Shipyard Sdn Bhd Ling Chiong Pin, Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Permanent Secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, director general of Fisheries Malaysia Datuk Munir Mohd Nawi, Sarawak Marine Fisheries director Belayong Nyuak, Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini and Giat Bumijaya Sdn Bhd managing director Sunny Lee Chuong Kew were also present.
According to Uggah, the deep-sea fishing industry would be aggressively developed given its huge potential and handsome return of investment, especially with vessels that are equipped with the latest technology.
He said the state government would grant licences to those interested in participating in deep-sea fishing on condition that they strictly abide by the terms and conditions.
One of the conditions is that these vessels must land their catches at Tanjung Bako Fishery Complex.
He also encouraged more youths to be trained with skills and technology related with deep-sea fishing which is a high income employment opportunity.
Lee also spoke at the function.
Giat Maju equipped with latest deep sea fishing technology.