LANGKAWI: The Fisheries Department is breeding trepang, a species
of sea cucumber (gamat), via a research and development project in the
waters of Langkawi.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mohd
Johari Baharum said it was to diversify the species of sea cucumber bred
at Teluk Yu, Ayer Hangat here.
"Trepang has many other benefits
and comes in the form of gamat oil. It is used in producing cosmetics
and food," he said at a Merdeka Raya celebration with fishermen at Pasir
Hitam here.
A flotilla of 80 fishing boats hoisted the Jalur Gemilang in a procession from Pasir Hitam to Teluk Yu.
Johari also released 40 trepang in the breeding area at Teluk Yu.
Increasing demand for trepang had pushed the price to as high as between RM150 to RM350 per kg.
"We have identified areas in Kuala Temoyong and Pulau Tuba for
expansion of the project and we also plan to increase fish breeding
grounds."
Johari said the Fisheries Department was considering
building a jetty at Pasir Hitam for the benefit of more than 150
fishermen. -- Bernama
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