Latest news with #TanjungManisFishingSafari
Borneo Post
15 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Annual fishing safari hailed as ‘soul' of Tanjung Manis
Len Talif (centre) presents the prizes to the winner of Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari's Coastal Shore Category. — Photo by Borhaniza Ali Basah. TANJUNG MANIS (Aug 18): The Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari has become a hallmark community activity that reflects the identity of the area and continues to grow as an event of state significance. This was pointed out by Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh at the closing of the 18th edition of the event yesterday. First organised by the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) in 2005, the event has since become the 'very soul of Tanjung Manis', according to the Kuala Rajang assemblyman. 'This fishing safari is more than just a sport. 'It showcases the strength of our ecosystem and sustainable environment, while serving as a bridge that unites communities, government agencies, the private sector and society through a shared passion,' said Len Talif in his speech. He added that such activities could catalyse comprehensive, balanced and sustainable community development, while also promoting Tanjung Manis as both an investment hub and an international eco-tourism destination. Offering total prizes worth RM60,000, this year's edition registered 146 participants competing in two categories: the deep sea class with 29 anglers, and the coastal shore class with 117 anglers. The participants were not only from the local villages in Belawai, Rajang, Jerijeh, Bandar Baru Tanjung Manis, Semalau, Stalun, Sebayang and Tusok, but also from Kuching, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang and Sibu. Adding on, Len Talif also reflected on Tanjung Manis' transformation since the early 1980s – from mangrove and 'nipah' (marsh palm) swamps, into a thriving industrial hub. He said that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, then Sarawak's first minister of industrial development in 1987, played a pivotal role in charting its development, followed by the establishment of the Tanjung Manis Timber Processing Zone in 1990 under then-chief minister, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. 'Today, Tanjung Manis and the Rajang Delta are positioned for growth across multiple sectors including eco-tourism, shipping, aquaculture, rice, coconut, pineapple and mangrove-based carbon trading. 'Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, electricity and basic amenities have been prioritised to support this transformation,' he said. The establishment of the Rajang Delta Development Agency (Radda) in 2022, with RM1.5 billion funding, said Len Talif, further accelerated the development in central Sarawak through a bottom-up approach, encompassing Mukah, Sarikei and parts of Sibu. 'Under PCDS (Post Covid-19 Development Strategy) 2030, the region including Kapit, Sibu, Sarikei and Mukah, has also been designated as a strategic development hub aligned with green and sustainable economic growth.' Len Talif also emphasised the importance of sustainability in development, citing Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC)'s artificial reef projects in Sarawak waters, including off Kuala Rajang, Belawai, Pulau Bruit and Kabong, to preserve marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable fish supply. 'By preserving mangrove forests and promoting carbon trading, we are not only reducing emissions, but also strengthening marine biodiversity. 'This approach ensures that development brings economic benefits, while maintaining ecological balance for future generations,' he stressed. community lead Len Talif Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari added to Sarawak tourism calendar from 2026
MUKAH: The Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari will be officially included in Sarawak's tourism calendar starting next year. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this move aims to position the event as a major attraction for international anglers. He highlighted the event's role in strengthening Tanjung Manis' contribution to the state's second wave of economic development. 'Recognition at the state level will enable more structured planning and at the same time allow international participants to prepare earlier,' he said. Abang Johari spoke at the closing ceremony of the Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari at the Tanjung Manis Express Terminal. He noted that fishing, golf, and marathons could elevate Tanjung Manis' global profile. The state government has invested RM70 million in artificial reefs from Telok Melano to Lawas. These reefs aim to boost fish breeding and protect local waters from foreign trawlers. Abang Johari stressed the need for stricter enforcement and Sarawak Coast Guard support to safeguard marine resources. Tanjung Manis will be a key focus in Sarawak's second-wave development, integrating food security, tourism, and carbon economy initiatives. Plans include expanding the local airport to accommodate larger aircraft. Belawai will be developed as a coastal tourism hub with hotels, homestays, and a golf course. Ecotourism will also be strengthened to attract more visitors. From next year, AirBorneo will operate flights bringing tourists from Korea and Japan. This is expected to boost the local economy through food, cultural, and nature-based tourism. A total of 146 anglers participated in the safari, competing in deep-sea and coastal fishing categories. - Bernama
Barnama
a day ago
- Business
- Barnama
Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari Included In Sarawak Tourism Calendar From 2026
MUKAH, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari will be officially included in Sarawak's tourism calendar starting next year to make it one of the state's main attractions and to draw international anglers, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said this is in line with efforts to strengthen Tanjung Manis' role in the second wave of the state's economic development. 'Recognition at the state level will enable more structured planning and at the same time allow international participants to prepare earlier,' he said when speaking at the closing ceremony of the Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari at the Tanjung Manis Express Terminal today. According to him, activities such as fishing, golf and marathons have the potential to put Tanjung Manis on the world map. He said the state government has invested RM70 million in the construction of artificial reefs from Telok Melano to Lawas to stimulate fish breeding and protect local waters from encroachment by foreign trawlers. Marine resources must also be protected through stricter enforcement and additional support from the Sarawak Coast Guard, he added. He further said Tanjung Manis will be one of the state's main development focuses in the second wave by integrating food security, tourism and carbon economy aspects. Plans include expanding the local airport to receive larger aircraft, developing Belawai as a coastal tourism destination complete with hotels, homestays and a golf course, and strengthening the ecotourism segment. He added that starting next year, Sarawak's airline, AirBorneo, will begin flights carrying tourists from Korea and Japan, further boosting the local economy through food, cultural and nature-based tourism.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari to join Sarawak tourism calendar in 2026
Abang Johari (third left) and other guests in a photo call with the winners – Photo by Borhaniza Ali Basah TANJUNG MANIS (Aug 17): The Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari will be formally included in Sarawak's tourism calendar next year, positioning it as a signature attraction to draw international anglers and support Tanjung Manis' role in Sarawak's 'second wave' of economic development, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Abang Johari, who joined the fishing activities with his family, said official recognition of the event at the state level would allow better planning and enable international participants to prepare early. 'I want this fishing safari to be in Sarawak's tourism calendar so that overseas anglers can plan ahead. Fishing, golfing, marathons and other activities here can help put Tanjung Manis on the map,' he said during the closing ceremony of the event at Tanjung Manis Express Terminal today. The Premier noted that the Sarawak government has invested RM70 million in artificial reefs from Telok Melano to Lawas to boost fish breeding and protect local waters from foreign trawlers. 'Previously, there was federal assistance, but it was inconsistent, sometimes they came, sometimes they didn't, sometimes they gave support, sometimes they didn't. As a result, the fish reefs could not be properly built. 'So, I decided that Sarawak should take the initiative to construct artificial reefs on its own, stretching from Telok Melano to Lawas,' he said. He emphasised that Sarawak must safeguard its marine resources through stronger enforcement and additional Coast Guard support by the Sarawak government. 'We must protect our wealth together. It is our shared responsibility to safeguard our resources,' he said. On development plans, Abang Johari said Tanjung Manis will be a central focus of Sarawak's 'second wave' of economic development, combining food security, tourism, and carbon economy initiatives. He added this includes expanding the local airport to receive larger aircraft, developing Belawai as a coastal attraction with hotels, homestays and golf courses, and promoting eco-tourism. He revealed that starting next year, the Sarawak-owned airline, AirBorneo, will begin flying tourists from Korea and Japan to Sarawak, boosting the local economy through food, culture and nature tourism. Abang Johari also said Tanjung Manis has been identified by the Malaysian Pineapple Board as a key location for large-scale cultivation. 'The pineapples will be processed under downstream industry, creating more income and job opportunities for the local community,' he said. At the same time, Abang Johari highlighted Tanjung Manis' vast peat soil and mangrove forests as valuable carbon sinks, making it a prime site for global carbon trading. 'Sarawak has been recognised internationally for its potential in carbon and hydrogen industries, and Tanjung Manis will be at the forefront of this new industrial cluster,' he said. Looking ahead, the Premier stressed that Sarawak's youth must be equipped with new knowledge, especially in science and technology. He said beginning 2026, the state will provide free university education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields for Sarawakian students. A total of 146 anglers participated in the event, which was divided into two categories – deep sea and coastal shore. Among those present were Deputy Minister of Urban Planning Land Administration and Environment and Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (Pusaka) general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah. Abang Johari Tun Openg lead Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari
