Majang (fourth right) with Abang Arabi (fifth left), Ruslan (third right) and the project team during the deployment of artificial reef balls. – SFC photo
BINTULU (July 30): Marine ecosystems off Kuala Nyalau are set to receive a boost following the deployment of 80 reef balls aimed at restoring degraded habitats, curbing illegal trawling activities and supporting coastal fishing communities.
The initiative, carried out under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, was a collaboration between Pembinaan Tukun Bebola (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd (PTBSB) and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), with support from Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB).
The deployment was officiated by State Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi, who is also Samalaju assemblyman, on Thursday.
According to SFC, the deployment involved 80 reef ball units comprising 26 ultra balls, 46 bay balls and eight layer cake units.
“The artificial reef structures are designed to restore degraded marine habitats, serve as physical barriers against illegal trawling activities and improve fish stocks to benefit coastal fishermen.
“Since 2022, PTBSB has contributed a total of 467 reef ball units in Sarawak waters as part of ongoing efforts to conserve the state’s marine resources and promote sustainable fisheries,” it said.
During the event, Majang also received a briefing from BPHB on its development plans.
Among those present were SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, BPHB group president and chief executive officer Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani, Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Sufri Bohari, PTBSB chief executive officer Wilson Mapus, BPHB senior general manager for Group Safety, Security and Sustainability Bolhi Maskawi, SFC deputy general manager for Conservation Madhan Kiflie, and its deputy general manager for Management Japanie Bujang.