Tiong made the remarks in his text of speech delivered by Senator Pau Chiong Ung during the Sarawak Fisheries Department’s Recreation Club gathering held at Parkcity Everly Hotel here.

According to the MP, an Australian company had expressed interest to invest in the manufacturing of deep-sea fishing vessels and transform Tanjung Manis into one of the biggest fishing ports in the country and the second biggest in the South East Asian region after the port in Thailand.

“The existence of Tanjung Manis fishing port is highly likely to boost and develop further the fishing industry in Sarawak.

“The availability of infrastructure equipped with high and sophisticated technology that could ensure efficiency in terms of berthing, loading, production and marketing would enhance greater development in the fishing industry here especially with the participation from the private sector in terms of investment,” he said.

He said the geographical position of Sarawak was unique and strategic and thus allowed the fishing industry to be developed more aggressively.

“There are about 100,000 locals involved in the fishing industry, and this is not a small number.

“So it is the responsibility of the Fisheries Department to ensure that the welfare and the rights of these fishermen are protected or safeguarded,” he said.

Tiong’s political secretary Zaedy Nor, local Fisheries Department officer-in-charge Kam Jong and Northern Region Marine Police chief DSP Chris Goh were among those who attended the gathering.