SEBAUH – A major initiative to strengthen inland fisheries resources took place on 10 July 2026 with the release of 50,000 shrimp seeds into Sungai Kemena. The programme, organised by the Bintulu Division Agriculture Department, is part of Sarawak’s wider efforts to safeguard food security and preserve river ecosystems.
The ceremony was officiated by Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Sarawak, Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, who also serves as the State Assemblyman for Kemena. He emphasised that the release of shrimp seeds is not only about replenishing natural stocks but also about ensuring long-term sustainability for communities that rely on river produce.
Officials from the Sarawak Agriculture Department, including Director Dominic Chunggat, Deputy Director of Operations Puan Radziah binti Jack, Deputy Director of Development Mr. Gilbert Igi, and Bintulu Division Agriculture Officer Mr. Jackson Nanta anak Barnabas Baie, were present to oversee the event. Their participation highlighted the department’s commitment to supporting inland fisheries and reinforcing ecological balance.
The release of shrimp seeds is part of a continuing programme by the Sarawak Agriculture Department aimed at strengthening inland fisheries resources. By reintroducing shrimp into Sungai Kemena, the initiative seeks to stabilise populations that have been affected by environmental changes and human activity. Officials noted that such measures are vital to maintaining biodiversity and ensuring that future generations can benefit from the river’s resources.
Sarawak’s inland fisheries play a crucial role in supporting local livelihoods. Many communities along Sungai Kemena depend on river produce for both income and daily sustenance. By replenishing shrimp stocks, the programme directly supports these communities, offering them greater resilience against fluctuating catches and environmental pressures.
The initiative also aligns with Sarawak’s broader food security agenda. With rising demand for sustainable protein sources, inland fisheries are increasingly recognised as a strategic resource. Programmes such as the shrimp seed release contribute to ensuring that local supply chains remain robust and capable of meeting community needs.
Beyond economic benefits, the release of shrimp seeds contributes to ecological preservation. Rivers such as Sungai Kemena are home to diverse aquatic species, and maintaining balanced populations is essential to preventing ecosystem disruption. Shrimp, in particular, play an important role in the food chain, supporting other species and contributing to the overall health of the river environment.
The Agriculture Department has indicated that similar initiatives will continue across Sarawak’s rivers. These efforts are designed to complement other conservation programmes, including habitat restoration and community education on sustainable fishing practices. By combining resource replenishment with awareness campaigns, the department hopes to foster a culture of stewardship among local residents.
The ceremony in Sebauh reflects Sarawak’s ongoing commitment to balancing development with environmental sustainability. As the state advances its economic agenda, initiatives such as the shrimp seed release demonstrate how ecological preservation and community welfare can be integrated into broader policy goals.
With 50,000 shrimp seeds now released into Sungai Kemena, the expectation is that populations will grow steadily, providing long-term benefits to both the ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. The programme stands as a reminder that sustainable resource management is essential to ensuring prosperity and resilience for Sarawak’s people.
