Squid Jigging Has Potential To Become Country's Tourism Icon - Tourism Malaysia

KUALA TERENGGANU, July 12 (Bernama) -- The traditional activity of candat sotong (squid jigging) has been given a new lease of life after being promoted as a strategic tourism product through the Development Programme in conjunction with the MADANI Rakyat 2025 Candat Sotong X Carnival here.

Tourism Malaysia Domestic and Events senior director Rafidah Idris said the maiden carnival is seen as an initial step towards upholding the maritime activity as a high-impact tourism product that can attract domestic and foreign tourists.

"Squid jigging is not just an activity of catching seafood, but brings a very interesting cultural element of the local fishing community to be highlighted globally.

"It is a tourism experience that touches all the senses, from the calm sea, fresh seafood, right up to the authentic interaction with the local community," she told reporters after the carnival launch.

Yong Ee Chin, the Undersecretary of Tourism Policy and International Affairs Division of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), officiated the launch at Payang Walk here.

According to her, Tourism Malaysia views the squid jigging activity as having huge potential to be promoted as the country's unique tourism icon, particularly on the East Coast.

Based on last year's record, this activity attracted over 30,000 visitors, generating over RM7.5 million for the local economy, and proving the community-based programme's effectiveness in boosting the rural tourism sector.

This, she added, also proved that the squid jigging experience in Terengganu is one of the state's most popular tourism products.

"And to support the efforts, we are ready to enhance cooperation with the state government and the relevant parties to improve promotion and turn this carnival into a big-scale annual affair,” she said.

Rafidah added that Tourism Malaysia is also developing a holistic tourism package that is not only limited to sea activities, but also covers homestay accommodation, authentic Terengganu culinary delights, cultural performances and tours based on Islamic heritage and local history.

"This holistic experience is being drawn to enable visitors to truly immerse themselves in the soul of Terengganu,” she said while emphasising that the sustainability aspects will be the main thrust of the product development.

She also described the presence of industry players and media at the carnival as a catalyst for a new approach in promoting authentic, inclusive and sustainable community tourism.

Squid jigging is a traditional activity of the Terengganu fishing community that usually takes place between May and August every year. 

-- BERNAMA