Sarawak tilapia reaches Singapore market, terubok and lumek next in line

Abang Johari photographed during the Batang Lupar Bridge 1 opening ceremony on July 9, 2026. Photo credit: UKAS

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, July 9: Sarawak’s tilapia from Batang Ai has found its way into the Singapore market, with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg saying local fish products such as terubok and lumek could be the next beneficiaries as connectivity improves.

Abang Johari said better infrastructure and access to wider markets were creating new income opportunities for rural communities involved in producing local products.

“We already have offices in Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, and even our tilapia is selling there. Every week, tilapia from Batang Ai is sent to Singapore.

“Apparently, they say our tilapia tastes good. This means higher income for those producing tilapia,” he said when speaking at the opening ceremony of Batang Lupar Bridge 1, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today.

He said other local fish products could also benefit from improved connectivity, including terubok from Sebuyau, Batang Lupar, Daro and Batang Lassa, as well as lumek from Bruit.

“Not long from now, terubok fish from Sebuyau, Batang Lupar, Daro and Batang Lassa, with the Batang Lassa Bridge, will benefit. Soon, lumek fish from Bruit will also see its value increase.

“Many local products had already seen higher prices due to better access to markets, driven by the presence of willing buyers and sellers,” he added.

He also said Sarawak’s goal of becoming an export-oriented economy would allow local businesses and producers to tap into larger regional markets, especially within ASEAN.

“We (Sarawak) want to be export-oriented because we only have a population of 2.8 million, but ASEAN has 700 million people. This represents a potential market where we can expand our businesses,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily