Sematan Holds Potential As Sport Fishing Destination
SEMATAN: The waters off Sematan hold strong potential to be developed as a premier sport fishing destination to attract recreational anglers and tourists both domestically and internationally.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg stated that deploying additional artificial reefs could be considered to create protective habitats for various fish species, thereby supporting the growth of fishing activities in the area.
“For sport fishing, we could perhaps increase the placement of artificial reefs under the supervision of the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), as these serve as key marine habitats.
“Currently, artificial reef deployments have already been carried out in Balingian, Mukah, and the Batang Lupar area,” he said.
He said this to reporters after officiating the Rimbun International Sematan Run 2026, which drew over 1,500 participants at Pantai Abang Amin here on Sunday.
In the meantime, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari emphasised the importance of identifying the specific fish species inhabiting those waters to enable more targeted planning and development of fishing activities.
“If we can identify the fish species present in the area, I believe this initiative can be planned much more effectively,” he further explained.
Sharing his personal experience fishing in Sematan waters on Saturday, he noted that hazy weather conditions did not stop him from landing four fish.
He added that developing fishing tourism could draw greater visitor numbers to Sematan, thereby unlocking local economic opportunities—particularly for boat operators, accommodation providers, and recreational activity proprietors.
Also present were Minister of Women, Family and Community Development and Member of Parliament for Santubong Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, Tanjong Datu Assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan, Director of Mahawangsa Sungai Bok Plantation Sdn Bhd (MSBPSB) Tan Sri Yee Ming Seng, Managing Director of Rimbun Prima Sdn Bhd Bouteflika Ahmad, SFC Manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, Managing Director of Roxy Beach Resort @ Sematan Lee Chin Teck, and Lundu District Officer Zulkarnain Ismail. — UKASnews
