BREEDING PROPOSED TO MAINTAIN SEA CUCUMBER POPULATION

LANGKAWI (Kedah, Malaysia), Dec 11 (Bernama) -- The Agriculture and
Agro-based Industry Ministry is taking measures to increase the "gamat" (sea
cucumber) population in northern island resort of Langkawi waters in an effort to
prevent extinction of the valuable marine life.

Deputy Minister Johari Baharom said the Fisheries Department was identifying a
potential area to breed the sea cucumber, which is eaten and also used in the
production of a variety balms and oils.

"We do not want this marine life, found in abundance in Langkawi waters at one
time, to become extinct," he told a news conference after launching a
leader-with-the-people programme in the Langkawi parliamentary constituency at
the Mardi Agro-Technology Park here on Friday.

Mohd Johari also urged the people of Langkawi, particularly fishermen and
farmers, to come up with unique agro-based products to draw more tourists to the
legendary island.

He said the fishing village of Tuba Island, for example, had the potential to
conduct home-stay programmes which could incorporate attractions such as seafood
and angling.
-- BERNAMA