July 14, 2006

Malaysian state aims to triple aquaculture production by 2010

The Malaysian state of Sabah aims to boost aquaculture production to 60,000 tonnes a year by 2010, State Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail said.

The projection was based on the rapidly growing aquaculture industry in Sabah during the last five years, he said.

The state government had targeted a tripling in revenues earned from aquaculture by 2010, from current output of 20,000 tonnes a year, he said.

70,000 hectares of land had been set aside for aquaculture projects throughout the state, he added.

In April, one Malaysian company, Borneo Aqua Harvest, said the state has the potential to become a major player in the aquaculture industry in Asia Pacific and urged more companies to enter the sector.

Currently, companies in east Malaysia are hamstrung by insufficient technology and the knowledge to breed, hatch and rear fishes for the export market, the company's managing director Datuk Lo Fui Ming said.

However, the region does have several factors working in its favour, the company said. Apart from government support, another advantage that the region yields is its nutrient-rich water. Waters around Sandakan, Sabah in east Malaysia are especially suitable for breeding fishes as its warm temperature ensure its survival.

Furthermore, The area is also shielded from threats from the open seas such as typhoons and tsunamis, the company said.