OYA: The placing of reef balls (artificial reef) in Sarawak waters beginning 21 years ago has helped increased the population of fish and other marine life.
Town Planning, Land Administration and Environment Assistant Minister Datu Len Talif Salleh said 600 reef balls were laid in Kuala Belawai previously, and after six months it was reported that fish caught in Belawai had increased tremendously.
He said last month Sarawak Forestry Corporation divers found that there were also many crabs in Belawai waters after the reef balls were put in place.
“Reef balls are not only breeding grounds for fish, but also other marine life such as turtles,” he said at the laying of reef balls in Igan-Mukah waters at Pekan Sabtu here yesterday. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the event.
According to Len, 1,200 reef balls would be laid in Igan-Mukah waters. The project will continue until 2021 to be followed by Matu and Pulau Bruit.
He said some RM9 million had been spent on lay 7,500 balls statewide so far.
