Port Dickson: The Port Dickson Ornamental Fish Centre in Telok Kemang recorded a total of 93,247 visitors from January to May this year and is seeing an increase in foreign tourists.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Negeri Sembilan Fisheries Department deputy director Doreen Wee Siew Leen reported that the number of foreign tourists rose to 2,590 visitors until May, compared with 1,557 people in the same period last year. "Although there was a slight decrease in the total number of visitors, compared with 95,180 visitors recorded for the period from January-May last year, the presence of foreign tourists showed a marked increase," she shared.

'Among the largest numbers were 1,439 tourists from China, Singapore (278), Taiwan (131), Japan (117), Korea (93), and Kenya (67),' she told Bernama. She also noted that 90,657 domestic tourists were recorded as of May, compared to 93,623 visitors for the same period last year.

Wee expressed optimism that visitor numbers would increase by the end of this year, after last year's record of 281,273 visitors. New attractions like two Blacktip Sharks, each measuring 0.6 meters, and two rarely seen yellow-spotted moray eels have become main attractions at the centre.

Additionally, the centre showcases a variety of marine life, including ornamental fish, coral culture and propagation technology, and breeding methods for seahorses and clownfish. It also features an exhibition on baby turtles, with its hatchery caring for stranded or injured turtles rescued by local fishermen.

Since its establishment 16 years ago at Jalan Batu 7, Telok Kemang, the centre continues to operate free of charge, despite talk of introducing an entrance fee. "As of now, no fees are imposed on visitors, and the Fisheries Department allocates approximately RM350,000 annually for maintenance, including fish food and cleaning costs," Wee concluded.