Dong River Casting Festival 2025: 50,000 Fish Released to Honour River Heritage

Dong River Casting Festival Celebrates River Heritage and Ecology

The Dong River Casting Festival 2025 in Pahang is more than a community event — it’s a state-backed campaign to honour the natural and historical importance of rivers in Malaysian life. Held for the first time this year, the festival drew praise for blending environmental advocacy with cultural remembrance.

YB Tuan Fadzli Mohamad Kamal, Chairman of the Pahang State Committee for Communications and Multimedia, Youth, Sports, and NGOs, stated that the initiative aims to reconnect Malaysians with their rivers.

“Dong River once served as a vital trade route for agricultural and fishery products,” he shared. “Through this festival, we are reigniting public appreciation for how rivers have shaped our communities.”

50,000 Native Fish Released to Rejuvenate the River

As part of the festival’s environmental push, 50,000 fish from four native species — kelah, sebarau, lampam, and baung — were released into the Dong River.

This gesture, supported by the Department of Fisheries, aims to restore biodiversity and preserve aquatic life in the river ecosystem.

“I truly appreciate the Department of Fisheries for contributing the fry,” said YB Fadzli. “I also call on the public to report harmful practices like fish bombing and electrocution.”

The effort underscores the state’s message: rivers are not just water sources, but living ecosystems that deserve protection and reverence.

Reviving River Culture Along a 3-Kilometre Stretch

The festival covered an almost 3-kilometre stretch of the Dong River — from Sungai Kerak in Kampung Kuala Gali to the Dong River Bridge in Pekan Dong.

Thousands participated, reflecting strong community interest in reconnecting with nature and preserving river heritage. The campaign also served as a platform to promote ‘Love Our Rivers’, a broader movement to encourage waterway stewardship in Malaysia.

Could Become an Annual Event with Rotating Venues

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response, organisers are considering making the Dong River Casting Festival an annual event, with the possibility of rotating venues across Pahang to promote river conservation in other regions.

Such events are critical to creating a culture of environmental responsibility, especially among younger generations who may not be aware of their rivers’ historical roles.

“This is just the beginning,” said Fadzli. “We must ensure that our rivers remain clean and vibrant for generations to come.”

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Source: OhBulan

By Tarziman — 1/07/2025, 02:10 PM