KUCHING: A fishing pond in Kampung Paya Mebi is set to be upgraded into a small fishing resort under the Sarawak Government’s community development initiative, Projek Rakyat.
Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, said the project had received an allocation of RM7 million from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for implementation.
He said the development is expected to transform the site into a more organised recreational and tourism attraction for visitors and anglers alike.
The proposed development is expected to include facilities that can support leisure fishing and small-scale tourism activities while also generating side income and business opportunities for the local community.
The fishing pond itself has an interesting history. It was originally a sand dredging site before being gradually transformed into a fishing area through the efforts of the Lubok Buaya Inland Fishermen Association of Kampung Paya Mebi.
Over time, the area became known among anglers around Kuching after the association helped improve the jetty and surrounding environment.
The pond has since attracted fishing enthusiasts due to the variety of freshwater fish found there, including patin, tilapia, baung, kaloi and belida.
Lo believes that the wider area, spanning more than three acres, holds strong potential to be developed into a tourism-based community attraction, especially with its riverside setting and existing popularity among local anglers.
Meanwhile, Lo also said the proposed extension of the Kampung Haji Baki Community Hall will be tendered soon.
The existing hall was first developed as a key public facility for the village and was among the projects long sought by residents.
Construction of the community hall began in 2020 at a cost of RM1.2 million, with the facility built adjacent to Darul Ehsan Mosque to cater to meetings, weddings, social gatherings and community programmes.
Lo said RM2.5 million had been allocated for the project to be implemented under the Sarawak government’s community development initiative, Projek Rakyat, in his constituency.
