October 18, 2010

Malaysia to build integrated aquaculture zone

Malaysia is ready to develop a large-scale integrated aquaculture zone in Batang Ai and Tanjung Manis, Sarawak, according to Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.

Jabu, who is also state agriculture modernisation minister, said the ministry would mobilise its machinery, which includes training the people and civil servants in implementing the integrated aquaculture zone, as announced in the 2011 Budget speech on Friday (Oct 15).

"Sarawak is adamant to cooperate with the central government in caring for the people's needs, especially those in rural areas, as an effort to eradicate poverty and become a developed country by 2020," Jabu said.

On Friday (Oct 15), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, during the tabling of the 2011 Budget speech, announced a RM252 million (US$81.4 million) allocation to develop the Integrated Aquaculture Zone in Batang Ai and Tanjung Manis in Sarawak, as well as Pitas, Sungai Telaga, and Sungai Padas in Sabah.

Najib said development of the integrated aquaculture zone was to ensure products were of good quality and met the required standards.