Protect the rivers for own good, DO tells villagers

Penampang: District Officer Luvita Koisun urged villagers of Kg Putaton/Kibambangan to love and protect the rivers for their own economic benefits. She said this at Dewan Terbuka Kibambangan while officiating the Fisheries Department's second release of Pelian fish fries into the Putaton River for the purpose of re-stocking the fish population where the villagers are practising the Tagal system.

Kg Putaton is located after Kg Inobong besides a road leading to the remote village of Terian.

Three hundred fish fries were produced by the Fisheries Department Research Station at Babagon where they have perfected the technology to breed the fish until mature enough for maximum survival rate when released into the rivers.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Tagal Committee, David Enang, confirmed that the 2,000 villagers are definitely pleased with the efforts of the department in raising the economic activities here.

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The natural fish population had declined in the past due to bad fishing practices besides some people using the river for disposal of rubbish, he said.

Before the Tagal system was introduced in 2003, a survey was conducted where 99 per cent of the villagers were in favour.

Now the Tagal system has produced other economic activities such as homestay programnes and fish tourism, among others.

Regarding water quality of the river, Enang said there was some pollution initially when rubber planting was carried out by LIGS at the upper catchment.

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However, this is expected to decline as the seedlings grow to maturity. Nevertheless, he hoped government departments such as the Fisheries would continue to assist in the enforcement, especially regarding the Tagal system and environment.

Also present were Fisheries Deputy Director II Godfrey Kissey, Head of Unit Fish Technology Lu Kien Chee, Datuk Philip Lasimbang, Community Development Chief William Sampil and local Tagal/community leaders.

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