Kuala Tatau fishermen’s market operational
BINTULU: The Kuala Tatau fishermen’s market was officially declared open yesterday by Deputy Resident Hamdiah Bakir representing Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Development Datuk Talib Zulpilip.
The new facility, built at a cost of RM200,000 , will be a new venue for locals and those from nearby areas to buy fresh seafood at reasonable prices.
Hamdiah said the market was meant for fishermen in Kuala Tatau to sell their catch and promote their products. Kuala Tatau is known for its abundant fresh fish.
“One cannot just depend on one source of income now that the cost of living is high. One has to think beyond on ways to earn more side incomes.
“The government has provided many kinds of assistance to fishermen in Sarawak. They have received many assistance because they are statistically catagorised as poor.
“That was before. Now, many fishermen earn high income with their sophisticated fishing equipment,” she said.
Bintulu Fishermen Association chairman Jumat Berahim meanwhile said this was the second market built for local fishermen. It was completed in October this year. The first one is at ABF Beach in Tanjung Kidurong.
Jumat said the fishermen’s market would become an integrated facility for locals and more facilities would be constructed here such as a jetty, ice room, grilled fish corner and others in the near future.
Kuala Tatau has 172 registered fishermen and Jumat called on all members to stand united behind the association.