SERIAN: The inaugural freshwater fishing competition, Otong Niee Fishing Competition 2023 has been hailed a success, with participants and organisers describing it as a good start.
Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, who was present at the event, was pleased with the turnout and congratulated the organisers for their efforts.
“This is the first time such an event has been held here, and it’s great to see the community coming together for something like this,” he said during the competition’s closing at Kampung Riih Daso here yesterday (May 6).
However, John noted that there were some issues such as the lack of electricity supply to the fishing hut at the event venue.
He promised to work on resolving these issues in order to make future events more convenient and accessible for everyone.
Despite these minor setbacks, the fishing competition proved to be a huge success, with participants coming from all over the area to take part.
The top prize of RM1,000 and a trophy was awarded to Iki Shafix Hashim, who caught a 1.05 kilogram catfish.
Francis Linjas took home the second prize of RM750 and a trophy for his 0.265 kg catch, while Asui Lijak won the third prize of RM500 and a trophy for his 0.255 kg fish.
In addition to the cash prizes, there were also trophies awarded for fourth and fifth places, as well as a special prize for the fastest catch, which went to Iki Shafix Hashim for his 1.05 kg catfish.
“We hope to make this an annual event, and we’re already planning to increase the prize money for next year,” said John.
