Mosque surrounded by water used for pioneering fish estate project

Masjid Ar-Rahman which ‘sits’ in a lake became more remarkable in its uniqueness yesterday after Agriculture and Food Industries Deputy Minister II, Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi, launched it as the site for Kelantan’s first ever fish estate.

“The pioneering project is an effort to enhance the fisheries resources in the state and country,” he said of the Department of Fisheries (DOF)-led initiative to ensure sustainable fish production.

During the launch -- which was also attended by Fisheries Kelantan director, Nazri Ishak; Chempaka state assemblyman, Ahmad Fathan Mahmood; and the mosque imam, Hasan Mahmood -- Che Abdullah released 20,000 tilapia and 10,000 barramundi fry into the lake.

He said that in eight to 12 months the fish estate on Pulau Gajah -- managed by a mosque committee -- could potentially produce 24 metric tonnes of fish worth RM336,000.

The 3.5ha estate, which has a mosque with provincial aesthetic characteristics like traditional Malay wood carvings that make it stand out, will also become an agro-tourism product with revenue channelled into the mosque fund.

“All who visit Masjid Ar-Rahman will be provided with a RM2-packet of food pellets to feed the fish,” said Che Abdullah of the extra benefit.

“Insya-Allah, the successful implementation of the Masjid Ar-Rahman Fish Estate will spawn more estates in the state. In fact, the DOF is in the process of identifying other potential sites,” he added.