Port Dickson Ornamental Fish Centre Attracts Over 90,000 Visitors As Of May

SEREMBAN, June 10 (Bernama) -- The Port Dickson Ornamental Fish Centre in Telok Kemang, recorded a total of 93,247 visitors from January to May this year, and is seeing a significant increase in foreign tourists.

Negeri Sembilan Fisheries Department deputy director Doreen Wee Siew Leen said the number of foreign tourists rose to 2,590 visitors until May, compared with 1,557 people in the same period last year.

“Although there was a slight decrease in the total number of visitors, compared with 95,180 visitors recorded for the period from January-May last year, the presence of foreign tourists showed a marked increase.

“Among the largest numbers were 1,439 tourists from China, Singapore (278), Taiwan (131), Japan (117), Korea (93) and Kenya (67),” she told Bernama, here, today.

She added that 90,657 domestic tourists were recorded as of May, compared to 93,623 visitors for the same period last year.

She was also optimistic that the presence of visitors to the centre would increase by the end of this year, after last year recorded an impressive 281,273 visitors.

Among the newly introduced species, two Blacktip Sharks, each measuring 0.6 meters, and two rarely seen yellow-spotted moray eels have emerged as the centre’s main attractions.

Additionally, she noted that visitors are drawn to a diverse array of marine life, including ornamental fish, coral culture and propagation technology, as well as seahorse and clownfish breeding methods showcased at the centre. The facility also features an exhibition on baby turtles, with its hatchery providing care for stranded or injured turtles rescued by local fishermen.

Since its establishment 16 years ago at Jalan Batu 7, Telok Kemang, the centre has continued to operate free of charge, despite speculation about the introduction of an entrance fee.

“As of now, no fees are imposed on visitors, and the Fisheries Department allocates approximately RM350,000 annually for maintenance, including fish food and cleaning costs,” she said.

-- BERNAMA