Sg Apong fishermen face relocation after 50 years amid redevelopment plans

KUCHING (Jan 16): After more than five decades at its current site, Persatuan Kotak Tangkap Ikan Sungai Apong Kuching may be relocated to a nearby area due to plans to redevelop the original land.

The existing site, owned by Koperasi Kemajuan Henghua Kuching Berhad, has been used rent-free by the association since the 1980s.

However, it is now earmarked for potential commercial or residential development.

Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau chief Milton Foo said the association was grateful to the cooperative for allowing the land to be used rent-free for more than 50 years.

“They are prepared to relocate, provided a suitable site is made available,” he told reporters during a site visit.

Foo noted that fishermen currently berthed their boats within a narrow stream in the Sungai Apong Baru area, highlighting the need for a proper and safer jetty.

A potential relocation site had been identified behind the Sungai Apong Market and had been proposed as an alternative boat-berthing area.

“The proposed site already has an existing jetty structure, though parts of it are old and require upgrading,” Foo said.

He added that refurbishment works, along with clearing overgrown vegetation and waste, would be necessary before the area could function as a proper parking bay.

Foo said with the association expected to relocate after the Chinese New Year, the proposal would be submitted to the relevant authorities and the Sarawak government for consideration, as multiple agencies would be involved in preparing the site.

“The new site must be able to accommodate at least 20 boats and provide safe access for loading and unloading.

“We need to understand what the fishermen actually need before any work is done,” he said, adding that he had briefed Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian on the matter.

According to the association’s secretary Kho Siew Leong, the Sungai Apong jetty once accommodated up to 100 fishing boats during its peak in the 1980s.

Today, only about 20 boats remain due to changes in the industry and labour shortages.

Kho added that some of the remaining boats had since been converted into tourist vessels, catering to visitors from Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia, Hong Kong and China.