SEBAUH – The Sebauh Waterfront came alive on 10 July 2026 as the Prawn Fishing Competition, held in conjunction with Agrofest Sebauh 2026, drew 29 enthusiastic participants.
The event, which ran from 8.00 am to 11.00 am, created a lively atmosphere filled with camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Unlike conventional fishing contests, the winner was determined by the weight of the heaviest prawn caught by each participant.
This unique format added excitement and anticipation, with anglers vying for the top spot along Sungai Kemena.
The competition was not only popular among local fishing enthusiasts but also attracted senior officers from the Sarawak Agriculture Department.
Deputy Director of the Operations Sector, Mrs. Radziah binti Jack, and Principal Assistant Director of the Development Division, Mr. Freddy Paul Giang, joined the contest, showcasing their fishing skills alongside community members.
Their participation highlighted the department’s commitment to engaging directly with the public in recreational and resource-based activities.
Throughout the morning, participants demonstrated determination and patience, reflecting the spirit of healthy competition.
The event fostered a harmonious atmosphere, strengthening ties between government agencies and the local community.
It also served to promote the potential of freshwater fisheries in Sebauh, while raising awareness about the importance of conserving river ecosystems for future generations.
At the conclusion of the contest, Mr. Freddy Paul Giang emerged as champion after landing a prawn weighing 120 grams.
His victory earned him a cash prize of RM1,500. Second place went to Mohamad Hamzah bin Ramlee, who caught a 100-gram prawn, while James anak Ibat secured third place with a 60-gram catch.
Organisers emphasised that the competition was more than just a recreational activity. It demonstrated how Agrofest Sebauh 2026 serves as a platform to integrate agriculture, community involvement, and environmental sustainability.
By encouraging participation in natural resource-based activities, the event reinforced the importance of preserving inland fisheries while promoting community development.
The Sarawak Agriculture Department has consistently highlighted the role of such programmes in empowering rural communities.
By combining agriculture with recreation and conservation, the department aims to create holistic initiatives that benefit both livelihoods and ecosystems.
The prawn fishing competition is a clear example of how Agrofest can extend beyond its traditional focus on agrofood promotion to include activities that strengthen community bonds and highlight the value of natural resources.
Agrofest Sebauh 2026 continues to showcase the diverse ways agriculture intersects with daily life, from technology transfer and market opportunities to recreational events like the prawn fishing contest.
The festival reflects Sarawak’s broader vision of sustainable development, where economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community participation are pursued in tandem.
With the success of the prawn fishing competition, organisers and participants alike expressed optimism that similar activities will remain part of future Agrofest programmes.
By blending tradition, recreation, and sustainability, Sebauh Agrofest has proven itself to be more than just an agricultural showcase, it is a celebration of community spirit and resource conservation.
