Visit to Tagal park in Sabah an eye-opener for S’wakians
SIBU: A five- day study trip to visit and observe the Tagal Tinopikon Park at Kampung Notoruss in Penampang, Sabah recently was truly an eye- opener for locals here on the benefit of adopting and implementing the Tagal system.
The system is a unique way of conserving nature by banning fishing at certain times or in certain zones to ensure the fish there have ample time and conducive environment to mature before they are harvested by the local community.
The trip was jointly organised by the Sibu Agriculture Department and Sebatu Tagang System Committee.
Joining the trip were Sebatu Tagang System project chairman Andrew Mail Sangong, committee member Dominic Andrew and Agriculture Department’s staffers from Sarikei, Julau, Kanowit, Sibu and Kapit.
During the visit, they learnt that Tagal Tinopikon Park earns between RM8,000 and RM30,000 in income per month.
“The park attracts not only the locals but also foreigners.
“The way they run the Tagal system there can be an encouragement for us in rural areas to protect our fish species as well as our environment,” Andrew said.
“At home, our Sebatu Tagang System started in April 2015 in Sungai Sebatu in Ulu Ngemah, Kanowit and has the support of the Agriculture Department,” he pointed out.