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Borneo Post
17-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Sarawak to boost eco-tourism with planned Lake Development Authority
Abang Johari (right, front row) and Uggah (left, front row) performing an opening gimmick in the form of harvesting a paddy stem. – Photo by Ukas KUCHING (June 17): The Sarawak government is exploring the establishment of a Lake Development Authority (LDA) within the next two years to manage and develop lake areas across the state, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Abang Johari said the move is aimed at providing a structured and coordinated approach to the development of both natural and man-made lakes, particularly as potential eco-tourism destinations. 'In the next two years, we are looking into the possibility of establishing a Lake Development Board that will regulate and manage all our lakes, including dams and natural lakes such as Bengoh Lake,' he said when officiating at the Gawai Dayak JPS celebration held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex in Petra Jaya today. 'This means we will have a more structured approach in developing lake areas, which have the potential to become tourist attractions.' Among the areas being prioritised is Baleh in Kapit, which he described as having a beautiful river and strong potential for nature-based tourism. In addition, the Forestry Department and the Agriculture Department have been directed to preserve the environment, including efforts to replant trees such as 'Ensurai' which are a food source for Empurau fish. 'In other words, the lake can be re-enriched with Empurau fish, which will indeed be the main attraction in the area for tourists. This will certainly give a boost to economic development in the area,' said Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Planning. This effort will only be successful if implemented by the relevant agencies as a team, particularly by the Civil Service One team, he said. Meanwhile, the Premier also shared that Sarawak recorded a strong and encouraging financial performance in the first quarter of 2025, which he hopes will be sustained through the remaining quarters of the year. 'I think that in the first quarter of 2025, our performance will be 'not that bad', including our financial position. We hope that for the next three quarters it will continue to be consistent and this will certainly give us an advantage so that we can develop the rural areas, especially.' Such financial stability will give the Sarawak government an advantage in implementing its development agenda, especially in rural areas that need continuous attention, he stressed. He also highlighted the progress of bridge construction projects across the state, which will further accelerate rural development and open new economic opportunities. 'The completion of these bridges will open a new chapter in Sarawak's economic development,' he said. Also present at the function were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Attorney General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik and Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel as well as heads of departments and other dignitaries.
Borneo Post
14-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Dr Rundi: State govt reviews Fisheries Ordinance amendments to address invasive alien fish
Martin (second left), Dr Abdul Rahman (fourth left) and other officials seen giving a thumbs-down to the invasive fish species displayed during the event today. KUCHING (May 14): The state government is reviewing proposed amendments to the Sarawak Fisheries Ordinance 2003 to include 40 invasive alien fish species in an effort to strengthen legal enforcement against their spread in local waterways, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister stated that the amendment marks a significant step by the state government to curb the ecological and economic threats posed by these species as the presence of invasive alien species such as African catfish, redtail catfish, flowerhorn, alligator gar, dragonfish and arapaima poses a serious threat to Sarawak's native aquatic biodiversity. 'These organisms are not native to Malaysia and were introduced into local waters either deliberately or accidentally. 'Their highly invasive nature, marked by rapid reproduction, resilience, and adaptability, allows them to dominate ecosystems quickly,' he said in his speech at the launch of the inaugural Elimination of Invasive Fish Species programme at a hotel here today. His speech was read by Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben. He further noted that the 40 invasive species were listed by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia in 2004 under the Fisheries (Prohibition of Import) Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2011), and the Sarawak government is now working to reflect this list in its own state legislation. He emphasised that this is a key move in managing and enforcing control over these alien species to prevent them from further spreading across Sarawak's inland waters. He warned that these species endanger native freshwater fish such as Empurau, Semah, Tengadak, and Labang, which have naturally existed in Sarawak's rivers for generations. 'These alien species compete for food and habitat, disrupt the food chain, reduce water quality, and threaten the survival of native species,' he said. Dr Rundi also acknowledged that increasing public awareness, particularly on social media, has highlighted the spread of these species, which are being found more frequently in local rivers and lakes. Hence to combat the issue, he urged the public to become active participants in monitoring and reporting sightings of invasive fish. 'Everyone has a role to play and if you see anyone releasing these species into the water, report it to the authorities. Don't use them as bait, don't release them, and if you catch one, destroy it immediately. Not cook it, destroy it,' he said. He encouraged the public to become 'citizen scientists' by helping authorities document and address the spread of these species and to educate family and friends on the dangers they pose. Meanwhile Dr Rundi also expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak Agriculture Department for leading the Elimination of Invasive Fish Species programme and collaborating with agencies and communities for this first-of-its-kind initiative in the state. 'I hope this programme will serve as the beginning of more similar efforts to come. Let us continue to work together to protect our rivers and biodiversity,' he said. The programme featured public awareness activities and the symbolic removal of invasive fish from the Sarawak River. The event was jointly organised by the federal and state governments in collaboration with various agencies including the Sarawak Agriculture Department, Sarawak Rivers Board, Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Sarawak Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM Sarawak). Also present were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and other officials.
