THE amendment to the State Fisheries Ordinance is now in its final stage and is scheduled to be tabled at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) this November.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the process, led by the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, involved close engagement with various departments, agencies, and industry players to ensure comprehensive input.
He said the proposed amendments would adopt the Good Regulatory Practice (GRP) initiative.
“The proposal to set up the Department of Fisheries Sarawak is still in progress, and it will focus on fishing and aquaculture development to ensure these activities are carried out properly and sustainably,” he said.
He said this during his ministerial winding-up speech at the august House today (May 27).
Rundi stressed the need for Sarawak to manage and safeguard its aquatic resources, particularly along its 1,000-kilometre coastline and rich inland waters.
“We have tuna in the South China Sea, and yet other countries like Brunei are already farming barramundi,” he told reporters during a press conference.
He said the amendment aims to pave the way for more structured and sustainable development of the fisheries sector, especially through modern aquaculture practices.
“Our target is that fishermen and the farming community will no longer fall within the B40 income group,” he added.
