Jalaluddin (front) releasing juvenile blue spiny lobster seeds during the Sopit Biru Sungai Timun programme. — Photos: Bernama
Sungai Timun in the heart of Rembau, Negri Sembilan, has the potential of becoming a production hub for blue spiny lobsters.
Negri Sembilan senior executive council member Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said the initiative could also boost eco-tourism in the state.
He added that the state government would ensure that the release of wild (juvenile) lobster seeds was carried out in an organised manner.
The blue spiny lobster is also known as common rock lobster or locally as “udang galah sepit biru”.
Jalaluddin said the state Fisheries Department would work with the Rembau District Office to develop eco-tourism at Sungai Timun as well as improve the livelihood of the local community.
“Sungai Timun can be a hub for lobsters in the state as is being done in Sarawak and Pahang.
“Those other two states are lobster production hubs,” he said at the “Sopit Biru Sungai Timun” programme organised by Rembau District Office, as reported by Bernama.
“When eco-tourism is developed properly, it can improve the economic status of locals while promoting attractions in the state,” he added.
Fishing competition participant Faizal Abdul Aziz showing a blue spiny lobster.
Jalaluddin, who is also state agriculture, food security and cost of living action committee chairman, said the agencies involved needed to provide lobster farming knowledge for farmers to yield a better catch.
He said a more organised schedule was needed to ensure sufficient supply of lobsters.
“For example, in Thailand, the lobsters are of good quality and a production schedule is observed to ensure consistent supply.
“So, it is not impossible for our state to follow in that direction.
Fishing competition participant Muhammad Amirul Osman holding his catch.
“For instance, if 64,000 lobster seeds are released, maybe 70% can be harvested and the seeds can be released every three months,” said Jalaluddin.
He said he was confident of Sungai Timun’s potential growth as a lobster production hub.
The “Sopit Biru” programme – named after the lobster’s blue claws – included a lobster fishing competition and lobster cooking contest, among other activities for families and children.
