PORT DICKSON'S SG SEKAWANG HIDDEN GEM FOR ANGLERS, TOURISM

PORT DICKSON, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- For the very first time, the 2025 Port Dickson Surfcasting Challenge is expected to attract more than 500 anglers in waters off Sungai Sekawang, Batu 15, here this Sunday, thus boosting the promotion of Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026 (VNSY 2026).

State Heritage, Technology, Innovation and Digital Action Committee chairman, Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli said the beach is a hidden gem of tourism, rich in biodiversity, surrounded by natural landscape, with its waters serving as a precious habitat for fish species.

He said the initiative also aims to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026) and TMNS 2026.

bootstrap slideshow

"The combination of sandy, muddy seabed and rocky structures makes this area a prime fishing spot for shore anglers in the state, attracting enthusiasts from across the country. The sea here is home to many types of fish, in the sea including siakap (barramundi), senangin (threadfin), stingray, gelama (croaker/drumfish), grouper, sembilang (catfish) and duri (thornfish).

"This organisation also opens up opportunities for local economic development and introduces rural areas as nature-based tourism products," he said in a statement today.

Mohd Faizal said the state government is actively identifying more 'hidden gem' locations such as Batu 15 to be highlighted through the VNSY 2026 campaign, which emphasises ecotourism, heritage and family recreation.

He said Port Dickson, renowned for its beautiful beaches, friendly community and abundance of seafood from the rich marine life, makes this place an ideal destination for fishing, camping, photography and nature-based tourism.

The Surfcasting Challenge competition offers cash prizes exceeding RM25,000, with the winner taking home RM10,000, RM3,000 for second place and RM1,000 for third.

-- BERNAMA