SIRIM Deploys 20 Innovative Reefs In Telok Mas Waters

MELAKA, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- SIRIM Berhad (SIRIM), in collaboration with the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), today deployed 20 innovative reefs in the waters of Telok Mas, involving an allocation of RM160,500.

In a statement, SIRIM said the initiative, funded by the Malaysia Innovation Foundation (YIM), aims to create new fish habitats and help fishermen improve their catch.

“The funds from YIM, a foundation under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, were channelled through the Social Innovation Initiative Programme (MyIS Community) to facilitate the development of these innovative reefs and provide direct benefits to local fishermen.

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“These reefs are environmentally friendly as they are made from a blend of ceramic and concrete materials, which are inert or neutral, making it less likely to react with the environment, thus preserving the marine ecosystem while encouraging fish aggregation and breeding in the area,” the statement said.

The project, which commenced on Sept 1 last year, aligns with the SIRIM’s commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices in environmental conservation.

According to SIRIM, Telok Mas was selected for the reef deployment because the area remains unaffected by land reclamation projects or port activities.

In addition to Melaka, these reefs have been deployed in several other locations, including Pulau Kendi in Penang, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Perhentian in Terengganu, as well as Batu Sapi and Pulau Sebatik in Sabah.

The reef deployment and handover ceremony in Telok Mas was witnessed by state Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communications Committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan and SIRIM Industrial Research chief technology officer Dr Muhammad Izzal Ismail.

-- BERNAMA