KUCHING: Fishermen operating at Sungai Apong here have appealed to the relevant authorities to approve a proposed relocation plan for their boat parking bay following the redevelopment of a site they have occupied for more than 50 years.
The issue was highlighted during a press conference held by the Public Complaints Bureau of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) on Friday, after the Kuching Sungai Apong Fishing Kotak Association was formally notified that the existing riverbank area would be cleared to make way for commercial or residential development.
SUPP Public Complaints Bureau Chief, Milton Foo Tiang Wee, said the fishermen have been using the site rent-free with the consent of Koperasi Kemajuan Henghua Kuching Bhd for over five decades, describing it as a longstanding parking and resting area for fishing boats.
He said the association has expressed full cooperation with the redevelopment and conveyed its appreciation to the cooperative for allowing the use of the land for such an extended period but stressed the need for a suitable relocation site to ensure fishing activities can continue.
A potential alternative site has been identified behind the Sungai Apong Market, but the overgrown riverbank would require assistance from the relevant authorities to be cleared and prepared before it can be used as a boat parking bay.
“The fishermen are not against development. They are prepared to move, but they need support to make the relocation workable and compliant with operational needs,” he said.
Foo added that the proposal would be submitted to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian for consideration as several authorities are involved in approving and facilitating the relocation.
The relocation was initially scheduled to be completed by Dec 31, 2025, but the fishermen have since been granted an extension until Mar 3, 2026, making it necessary for the proposal to be finalised as soon as possible.
He also noted a decline in fishing activity at Sungai Apong over the years, citing reduced interest among younger generations and labour constraints, with the area having seen its peak in the 1980s when hundreds of boats operated there.
Despite the challenges, Foo said the fishermen remain grateful to the cooperative and are committed to relocating amicably, provided a suitable and timely solution is approved.
