September 12, 2012

The Terengganu government of Malaysia has approved a 1,090-hectare site for the white shrimp farming aquaculture project in Merchang, Marang and is expected to be in operation before the end of the year.

According to the Malaysian national news agency, Bernama, the project, which is expected to begin before the end of the year, is a joint venture between Malaysia's Ocean Aquatic Marine (M) Sdn Bhd and China based Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products Co Ltd. The companies have invested MYR1.8 billion (US$58 million) in the aquaculture project which will export shrimp to China, the US and the EU once operations begin.

Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, Menteri Besar of Terengganu, said: "When operational, the prawn farm will be able to offer job opportunities to more than 1,000 people, especially local residents."

He added: "With such a huge investment, we are forecasting that Terengganu will be capable of becoming the largest shrimp producer in the country."

Elsewhere, another aquaculture project on a 1,000-hectare in Penarik, Setiu, was undertaken by Blue Archipelago Bhd where operations and production has already begun. The latest aquaculture project in Marang will process a greater quantity since it will also produce shrimp seed, shrimp food and shrimp processing plant for export.