Latest news with #SEDIA
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah Cockle Resource and Industry Development Project launched
Hajiji releasing the blood cockle broodstock at the jetty of the Borneo Beach and Mangrove Resort in Tuaran on Saturday. TUARAN (July 5): The State Government has launched the Sabah Cockle Resource and Industry Development Project that has potential to generate RM34.4 million, based on an estimated landing of 3,240 metric tonnes per year and a return on investment of 7.6 times. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the project would open up new export opportunities for Sabah cockles through downstream activities such as canning, sambal kerang (cockle paste) and blood cockle-based food products. 'For the private sector, this is the best time to invest in seafood processing, sustainable packaging, and the development of Sabah's export supply chain. 'This opportunity is not only profitable but also builds a sustainable future,' he said at the launching of the project at the Borneo Beach and Mangrove Resort here on Saturday. The Chief Minister said the Sabah Cockle Resource and Industry Development Project aligns with the State Government's commitment to ensure the Blue Economy becomes a solid economic foundation for the people of Sabah. The State Government is committed to taking steps in exploring marine and maritime resources as part of efforts to strengthen the state's position in the international Blue Economy landscape. 'The Blue Economy not only has the potential to balance prosperity with sustainability, but by the year 2030, the global value of the Blue Economy is projected to reach USD3 trillion,' he said. The Sabah Cockle Resource and Industry Development Project, to be carried out in two phases, is a collaboration between the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), the Malaysia Fisheries Department and the Sabah Fisheries Department. The first phase, which has already been completed, involved mapping studies and exploration of blood cockle (Tegillarca granosa) resources conducted from October 2024 to May 2025 at six potential locations, including Tuaran and Beluran, which would kickstart the pilot project. The second phase of the project is scheduled to commence in 2026, involving the transfer of technology and actual field implementation. Hajiji said that a total of 77 aquaculture lots have been identified, comprising 12 in Tuaran and 65 in Beluran covering an area of 1,617 hectares. Each lot will be managed by 10 household heads (KIR), making it a total of 770 KIR as the main beneficiaries, comprising fishery entrepreneurs, rural communities and the B40 group. 'In fact, even if only 40 per cent of the lots operate at optimum capacity, participants can generate a monthly income of around RM4,800 to RM6,500,' he said. 'Certainly, the communities involved will gain sustainable income through blood cockle farming. Youth will also be trained in modern aquaculture skills, producing a new generation of Sabah's marine entrepreneurs. 'Indeed, this project will not only bring significant change to the people, particularly the community involved, but also to the environment and the state's economy. 'Sabah will be developed as the ASEAN Blue Seafood Hub, on par with major producing states such as Perak, Penang and Selangor,' he said. The Chief Minister said the State Government is fully committed to supporting this industry and want the project participants to get continuous training and modern technology. 'I urge the communities in Tuaran and Beluran, as the pioneers or leaders of this project, to fully utilise the acquired modern technology to enhance the capacity and productivity of the aquaculture sector,' he said.
The Sun
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah cockle industry potential hits RM34.4 million annually
TUARAN: The cockle industry in Sabah holds significant economic potential, with projections indicating an annual revenue of RM34.4 million based on an estimated yield of 3,240 tonnes per year. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor highlighted this opportunity during the launch of the Sabah Shellfish Resource and Industry Development Project. The initiative aims to stimulate local economic growth through shellfish products while expanding export opportunities via downstream activities such as canned cockles, shellfish sambal, and other value-added food products. Hajiji urged private sector investors to capitalise on seafood processing, sustainable packaging, and export chain development, calling it a profitable and sustainable venture. The project aligns with Sabah's Blue Economy strategy, which seeks to balance economic prosperity with environmental sustainability. By 2030, the global blue economy is expected to reach US$3 trillion, reinforcing the state's commitment to marine resource development. A collaboration between the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), the Malaysian Fisheries Department, and the Sabah Fisheries Department, the project will unfold in two phases. The first phase, completed recently, involved resource mapping and exploration in Tuaran and Beluran from October 2024 to May 2025. The second phase, starting in 2026, will focus on technology transfer and field implementation across 77 farming lots covering 1,617 hectares. Each lot will be managed by 10 households, benefiting 770 fishery entrepreneurs, rural communities, and B40 group members. Even with 40% operational efficiency, participants could earn between RM4,800 and RM6,500 monthly. Hajiji, who chairs SEDIA, emphasised that the project will train youth in modern aquaculture, fostering a new generation of marine entrepreneurs. Sabah aims to become the ASEAN Blue Ocean Seafood Hub, rivalling major producers like Perak, Penang, and Selangor. The state government pledges ongoing support through training and technology to ensure long-term success.
Malay Mail
05-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Hajiji launches Sabah shellfish project promising up to RM6,500 monthly income for rural communities
TUARAN, July 5 — The cockle industry has the potential to generate RM34.4 million annually based on an estimated landing of 3,240 tonnes per year and a 7.6-fold return on investment in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. In recognising this potential, the state government today launched the Sabah Shellfish Resource and Industry Development Project. Hajiji noted that the initiative will open up opportunities for local economic growth through shellfish products, as well as create new exports avenues via downstream activities such as canning, shellfish sambal, and other shellfish-based food products. 'For the private sector, this is the best time to invest in seafood processing, sustainable packaging, and building Sabah's export chain. This opportunity is not only profitable but also supports a sustainable future,' he said while officiating the project here today. Also present was the chief executive officer of the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), Datuk Seri Hashim Paijan. Hajiji said this project is also in line with the state government's commitment to making the Blue Economy a key economic pillar for the people of Sabah, while underscoring the government's determination to explore marine and maritime resources to strengthen the state's position in the Blue Economy on the international stage. 'The Blue Economy not only aims to balance prosperity with sustainability, but by 2030, the global value of the blue economy is expected to reach US$3 trillion,' he said. He shared that the collaborative project between SEDIA, the Malaysian Fisheries Department, and the Sabah Fisheries Department is being carried out in two phases. 'The first phase, which has been completed, involved mapping studies and exploration of shellfish resources from October 2024 to May 2025 at potential sites, including Tuaran and Beluran, which served as pilot project sites. 'The second phase, scheduled to begin in 2026, will involve technology transfer and field implementation, with 77 farming lots identified, including 12 lots in Tuaran and 65 lots in Beluran, covering an area of 1,617 hectares,' he said. According to Hajiji, who is also the chairman of SEDIA, each lot will be managed by 10 heads of households, resulting in 770 main beneficiaries comprising fishery entrepreneurs, rural communities, and members of bottom 40 per cent (B40) income group. 'Even if only 40 per cent of the lots operate optimally, participants can still earn a monthly income of around RM4,800 to RM6,500. This means the involved communities will benefit from sustainable income through shellfish farming,' Hajiji said. He stressed that youth will also be trained in modern aquaculture, producing a new generation of Sabah marine entrepreneurs, as the project brings significant improvements to participants' lives and broader benefits to the environment and the state economy. Hajiji emphasised that Sabah will be developed as the ASEAN Blue Ocean Seafood Hub, on par with major producing states such as Perak, Penang, and Selangor. He added that the state government is fully committed to supporting this industry by providing continuous training and modern technology to project participants. — Bernama
