STAKAN assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim has urged relevant agencies to consider new legislation or amendments to delineate fishing areas to safeguard local resources.
He said there was a need to protect areas of interest and prevent interference from external parties overfishing in rural areas.
“Residents in the Stakan area, who constitute nearly 70 per cent of the population, rely heavily on riverine fishing for their livelihoods. Concerns have been raised about outsiders encroaching on these fishing grounds, threatening the income of local fishermen,” he said when debating in support of the motion of appreciation for the Head of State’s address during the fifth day of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (May 10).
Highlighting the economic significance of riverine fishing, Hamzah noted the increasing value of freshwater prawns, rising from RM16 to RM80 per kilo over the past two decades.
“The issue of outsiders entering rivers, such as the Quop river, and using harmful methods like poisoning, exacerbates the threat to local livelihoods,” he added.
While acknowledging the complexity of the situation, he stressed the need for effective measures to protect riverine fishermen.
“In addition to the Stakan area, similar concerns exist in the Muara Tuang area, where many residents rely on fishing for sustenance. Residents are calling on the government and relevant agencies to empower village chiefs or headmen to enforce regulations prohibiting outsiders from fishing in their respective areas,” he added.
