Residents of Kampung Punang in the Lawas District will soon have a new upgraded ‘Ikan Tahai’ smokehouse via a socio-economic development programme implemented by the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA).

Pilling works have just been completed for the project, which is expected to be completed this year. The smokehouse will be concrete-based and constructed over a jetty in the coastal fishing village.

‘Ikan Tahai’ smoked fish is made from local tamban fish in Lawas and can be made into sambal and other delicacies.

To make ‘Ikan Tahai’, trays of fish are placed in smokehouses over a slow burning mangrove wood (bakau) and are turned over from time-to-time over in a two-day smoking process. The product can last up to a month, preserved by sea salt.