TANJUNG MANIS: The organisation of GP Belawai which has been ongoing for almost a decade has the potential to position Belawai as among the increasingly popular recreational fishing destinations in Sarawak.

Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the continuation of the programme proves that fishing activities can attract participants from various areas, introducing Belawai to the outside community.

According to him, the collaboration of the Department of Marine Fisheries Sarawak and Iftitah Restaurant & Resort in organising GP Belawai Series 2/2026 also strengthens the potential of the programme as an activity that provides widespread benefits to the community.

"This collaboration not only fuels the organisation of the competition, but also benefits from economic and social aspects and supports environmental preservation efforts," he said.

He said this when he officiated the Closing Ceremony of GP Belawai Series 2, at Iftitah Restaurant & Resort, here, on Sunday.

He added that the involvement of the relevant department also allows the regulatory aspects, monitoring and management of fisheries resources to be given attention so that recreational fishing activities can be carried out responsibly.

At the same time, the presence of participants and visitors from outside the area has the potential to benefit the community and local businesses, in addition to opening up space to highlight the recreational attractions in Belawai.

Therefore, Datuk Len expressed hope that the cooperation between the government and the private sector can continue in the future to strengthen GP Belawai as a recreational event that contributes to community development, the local economy and the sustainability of fisheries resources.

In the meantime, the GP Belawai Competition Series 2 has attracted the participation of 324 anglers from various locations including four participants from Brunei Darussalam.

Their presence also enlivened the competition organised by the Department of Marine Fisheries Sarawak in collaboration with Iftitah Restaurant & Resort which offered a total cash prize of nearly RM20,000.

Luck was on Mohammad Shahadam Sahminan's side from Daro, Mukah when his 1.6 kilogramme ‘ikan gerut’ catch was crowned as the champion catch of the competition.

The success entitled him to take home a cash prize of RM12,000, while Mohamad Isa Alias ​​and Ahmad Udar took second and third place respectively with stingrays weighing 358 grammes and 328 grammes.

The release ceremony for the participants was officiated by Tanjong Manis Member of Parliament Dato Ir Yusuf Abdul Wahab.

GP Belawai Series 3 is scheduled to take place next December with the organisers hoping that the series could draw more participants through attractive prize offers and a more lively programme. -UKASnews