FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS ENLIVEN SQUID JIGGING PROGRAMME IN TERENGGANU

MARANG, May 9 (Bernama) -- This year's Terengganu Squid Jigging Programme will be more lively with the participation of 50 foreigners.

State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris said for the first time, Terengganu received participation from Thailand, Bangladesh, Chile, the Philippines and France.

He said the foreign participation not only helps to promote Terengganu's tourism industry but also further boosts the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) promotions.

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“The uniqueness of the squid jigging programme, themed 'Pakat Maghi Candat Sotong 2025', has attracted the attention of social media influencers, the electronic media and foreign mainstream media.

"Squid jigging is an iconic tourism attraction of the state that has been recognised and included in the VM2026 tourism calendar. It is not just a recreational activity, but a symbol of the cultural heritage of the Terengganu coastal community," he said at the launch of the 2025 Squid Jigging Season at the Marang Tourism Jetty here today.

Also present at the event was Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor.

Meanwhile, Razali said that this year, around 3,000 boats carrying 30,000 tourists are expected to flood the waters off Terengganu for the squid jigging activity, which started in April and will continue until August.

"It (the activity) is expected to generate an economic return of more than RM7.5 million for boat operators, hotels, homestay operators and local traders.

"The squid jigging programme has a direct impact on the local economy, particularly on fishermen, seafood traders and craftsmen.

"Therefore, this programme remains a key component in the Terengganu tourism promotion calendar and has been selected for inclusion in VM2026," he added.

-- BERNAMA