The federal government through the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry ministry has allocated RM8 million for the implementation of artifical reef projects in 14 districts in Sabah.
Sabah deputy chief minister, Datuk Yahya Hussin said 380 artificial reefs had been embedded in 21 locations throughout the state since 2008.
“The areas must have a monitoring committee to prevent encroachment by trawlers,” he told reporters after launching a ministry programme in Kampung Tempurung in Kuala Penyu, Saturday.
Yahya who is also state Agiculture and Food Industry minister said the concrete-based reefs which weigh about six to eight tonnes each could keep away the trawlers which had threatened the livelihood of local fishermen.
“The projects will indirectly boost the income of local fishermen who had depended mainly on traditional methods,” he said.
2013 BERNAMA