KUCHING: Sarawak will place reef balls along its shoreline to deter illegal fishing in state waters and to preserve its marine resources.
A whopping RM70mil special fund has been set aside for the purpose.
The reef balls would be placed along the shoreline, stretching from Tanjung Datu in Lundu to Lawas in Limbang, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Once you have the reef balls in place, of course, it is good for the fishing industry. At the same time, it also serves to protect our shoreline from intrusion by unwanted trawlers,” he said.
“With the reef balls, it will be hard for illegal fishing trawlers to steal our fish because if they want to trawl, it will destroy their nets,” added the Chief Minister during the Sarawak Forestry’s 15th anniversary dinner on Tuesday at Hilton Hotel here.
“But what is important is to protect our shoreline against intrusion. That’s why I have given over RM70 million from the state funds for the purpose,” he said.
Johari said the state government would normally wait for federal funds for the project.
However, the fund was not forthcoming this time around.
“Therefore, I have decided to use our own funds to place the reef balls from Tanjung Datu to Lawas,” he explained.
Johari stressed that by placing the reef balls on the shoreline, the returns would be there.
“We spent RM70 million on conserving the shoreline and at the same time, our resources will be protected in the long run,” he said.
On the Hornbill Adoption programme launched by Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd at the same event, the Chief Minister said the hornbills were among the wildlife very dear to Sarawakians.
“The programme shows the world that we look after our wildlife. Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd has done a lot to conserve our flora and fauna.
“In future, we will continue with our efforts to take care of natural resources that are very important to us,” added Johari.
