Race to save sea cucumbers of Langkawi

The Star 12 Dec 10;

LANGKAWI: The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry is taking measures to increase the gamat (sea cucumber) population in Langkawi waters to prevent the extinction of the valuable marine life.

Deputy Minister Datuk Johari Baharom said the Fisheries Department was identifying a potential area to breed the sea cucumber, which is used in the production of a variety of balms, medication and health supplements as well as eaten by some people.

“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 meet-the-the-people programme at the Mardi Agro-Technology Park here on Friday.

Mohd Johari urged the people of Langkawi, particularly fishermen and farmers, to come up with 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 carry out home-stay programmes which could incorporate attractions such as seafood and angling. — Bernama