KUCHING: Sarawak will acquire three larger fast patrol vessels to enable the Sarawak Coastguard to effectively patrol the state’s extensive coastline.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said these vessels will protect the state’s eight marine national parks.
“We have to secure our marine parks and at the same time, this will also complement the other security agencies’ assets,” he said when officiating at the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) Miri headquarters and launch of the Island-class fast patrol vessels today.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is the only state to have its own coastguard that is responsible to look after Sarawak’s waters.
Apart from the coastline, Sarawak Coastguard’s operational areas include the eight gazetted marine national parks with an area of more than 1.12 million hectares, namely Luconia Shoals National Park, Tanjung Datu National Park, Talang Satang National Park, Santubong National Park, Bruit National Park, Similajau National Park, Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park and Limbang Mangrove National Park.
On another note, he said Sarawak is recognised by the Reef Ball Foundation of USA for its world’s longest artificial reef ball project stretching 746km, adding that the government has allocated RM70 million for this purpose.
“When we place these artificial reef balls, they provide unique infrastructure for marine growth and this will increase the wealth of marine biodiversity in Sarawak waters,” he said.
Additionally, he said, the artificial reef balls also increase the fish population and provide an extra source of income for the fishermen.
“For instance, the fishermen in Saribas and Mukah have reported an increase in their fish catch since the placement of this artificial reef ball, and it has benefited the fishermen’s household income,” he said.
Abang Johari was happy to witness this development as it provides positive outcome and benefits to the fishermen.
“Thus, we want to pay more attention to the preservation and development of our marine areas in an integrated manner,” he said.
He also expressed hope that Sarawak would continue to progress under the Post-Cocid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“We hope that this continuous development will help improve the standard of living of the people by giving them access to the latest knowledge and increase their household income,” he added.
The event also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the deployment of UKPS officers and assets at Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) sites.
Among those present were Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin and UKPS director Datuk Dr Chai Khin Chung.
