BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & JACINTHA JOLENE
TANJUNG MANIS: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has agreed to include the Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari in the state’s official tourism calendar.
He said the move followed requests from Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) General Manager, Zainal Abidin Abdullah, to have the annual fishing event formally recognised as a tourism product.
“I will give instructions to Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, to ensure that the Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari is listed in the tourism calendar so that programmes can be organised,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the 18th Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari, held at Tanjung Manis Express Terminal today.
He added that inclusion in the calendar would allow international anglers to plan their trips accordingly and make proper preparations.
“This way, overseas fishing enthusiasts will know the dates in advance and can prepare themselves to come for the event,” he said.
Meanwhile, on another matter, Abang Johari revealed that the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board has expressed interest in investing in large-scale pineapple cultivation in the Tanjung Manis area.
“They came to see me and asked whether pineapples could be planted in Tanjung Manis, as they no longer have enough land in Johor,” he said.
The Premier, who once served as Minister of Agriculture, said Sarawak had already developed a hybrid between Johor and Sarawak pineapples known as the Sarikei Pineapple or Josapine.
“Its name comes from Johor and Sarawak – J-O-S for Johor-Sarawak and ‘pine’ from pineapple. That is how it became Josapine, which also happens to be a woman’s name,” he said.
He said the proposed project would not only involve large-scale planting but also downstream processing, creating economic opportunities for local communities.
“This will provide income and jobs for us in this village,” he added.
Earlier, Len described the Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari as no stranger to anglers across Sarawak, calling it the very soul of Tanjung Manis and part of its identity.
“The Fishing Safari organised by STIDC has become deeply rooted in Tanjung Manis. It is hoped that this event will remain a lasting legacy.
“I believe such activities are catalysts for holistic and sustainable community development, while at the same time promoting Tanjung Manis to the world,” he said.
He noted that this year’s event had attracted 265 participants across two categories – Deep Sea (29) and Coastal (117) – with total prizes worth RM60,000.
“The event, which began yesterday, received encouraging response with participants from Kuching, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang and Sibu joining in to enliven the occasion,” he said.
He said events like the Fishing Safari also reflect the strength of a sustainable ecosystem and environment, while serving as a bridge that brings together government agencies, the private sector and local communities through a shared passion.
