Tenom: A dedicated jetty for inland fishermen costing RM200,000 is set to be built under the new Tenom town bridge to boost the income of river fishermen and create a new tourist attraction in the district.
State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the jetty’s final design was currently being finalised by engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD), Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) and Ko-Nelayan.
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He said the project would be the first of its kind to specifically focus on inland fishermen.
“We want to make it possible for inland fishermen to increase their income. They will use the jetty to land their fish,” said Jamawi, who is also Melalap Assemblyman, when met during a visit to the site of the jetty.
Jamawi said the Tenom community would also have the opportunity to source fresh river fish daily once the jetty is completed.
“Every morning, we will hold sales of inland or river fish in the area, which is something that perhaps does not happen anywhere else,” he said.
In support of the inland fisheries industry, he said the Government has contributed eight boats, complete with engines and fishing equipment, to eight inland fishermen.
He said the assistance, valued at approximately RM120,000, was channelled through the Fisheries Department.
“This is among the initiatives that truly please me, to elevate and provide recognition to river fishermen who have been marginalised for so long,” he said.
Jamawi said the jetty area is also planned to become a new tourism product once the ongoing flood mitigation project is fully completed.
According to him, stalls will be built in the area to allow the public to enjoy the evening atmosphere and sunset views beneath the new Tenom bridge.
“We might open it in the evening or at night so that the people of Tenom and the surrounding areas can enjoy the incredibly beautiful sunset views,” said Jamawi.
He added that these efforts are part of the Government’s initiative to increase tourist attractions and provide new amenities for the local community.
At the same time, he said river and drain clearing works have also been ramped up to reduce the risk of flooding in residential areas and commercial premises in the district.
Also present during the visit were Tenom DID engineer Lahaman Shah; Tenom PWD engineer Raffee; Ko-Nelayan engineer Azizulhelmi Ismail; Tenom Agricultural Officer Fauzi Gulam, alongside Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi) officials.
