BN members were told to stay united -Karim

February 18, 2006

The state BN members were told by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to stay united and work together for the state's development. -Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah 

KUCHING -- A closed-door dialogue between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders during the BN Backbenchers Club Retreat 2006 Saturday focused on the development needs of the state.

Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Peter Chin said the members of the state BN asked for a bigger allocation for Sarawak under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

"They believe Sarawak needs more funds to catch up with the development in other states," he told reporters after attending the two-hour dialogue at the Holiday Inn Resort Damai Lagoon in Santubong, about 50km from here.

Chin said the dialogue only "touched a bit" on the Sarawak state election which is expected soon.

"We did not deliberate too much on the state election because the matter will be decided by the Chief Minister (Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud)," he added.

Abdullah, who is also the BN Chairman, arrived here this afternoon for the retreat.

The Prime Minister was welcomed at the airport by a crowd of about 7,000 people led by Abdul Taib.

Assemblymen call for more studies on inland fishes

May 3, 2003

KUCHING - Three State Assemblymen yesterday called for solutions that would enable sustainable breeding of precious but drastically dwindling inland fishes, namely Empurau and Terubok.

Lee Kim Shin (BN - Senadin) suggested that studies and research to be carried out to enable simulated breeding of Empurau fish, which could be only be found in the upper reaches of the Rajang River near Kapit.

The rare but delicious fish, which commands a high market price of RM180 per kilo, has experienced a decline in its population due to overfishing.

"Continued indiscriminate overfishing may eventually lead to extintion (of Empurau fish). Research should be carried out on the possibility of having simulated habitat for Empurau fish hatcheries," he said, when debating the new state Inland Fisheries Bill 2003.

Based on initial studies, Empurau fish can only breed in fast flowing streams, notably the Pelagus rapids.

Meanwhile, during the same debate session, Abdul Karim Hamzah (BN - Asajaya) suggested that the government gazette the lower reaches of Batang Lupar and Batang Lassa as fisheries sanctuary for the breeding of Terubok fish.

"This is due to the suitable water properties and planktons in these two rivers," he said, adding that there was a real need for these two spawning grounds to be protected for the long term survival of Terubok in Sarawak.