Project proves critics wrong

KUALA TERENGGANU: When it was launched by former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2007, the country's largest aquaculture project at Sungai Como in Tasik Kenyir drew criticism from certain quarters who predicted it would fail.

Today, just two years after the launch, the RM50 million project, which started with eight participants operating 200 fish-rearing cages, has expanded to 17 participants operating 2,000 cages.

They produce 10 tonnes of fish every month.

State Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Rozi Mamat said the project, which was aimed at supplementing the incomes of the poor and creating job opportunities, was a success.
He said the state government hoped to add 3,800 cages next year.

"This will see us produce up to 100 tonnes of fish every month."

He said this after launching Sungai Como fish-based products at Dataran Shahbandar here.

Rozi said the state government would soon promote Sungai Como fish-based products in Johor Baru to attract Singaporeans. Promotions will also be carried out in Kuala Lumpur.

Participant Che Ku Adnan Che Ku Jalil, 34, said he was confident the project could be expanded.

Mohamad Solihin Samad, 27, who joined the project on the recommendation of a fellow participant, advised young people to consider aqua-culture as a means of livelihood.

Also present were Terengganu Argotech Development Corp Sdn Bhd chairman Razali Idris, its chief executive officer Rosli Harun and state Fisheries Department director Munir Nawi
NST Online » Local News
2009/06/17