November 16, 2007

Fish processing in Malaysia draws Middle East investors

Malaysia's bid to remake its east coast into an aquaculture and processing hub has attracted attention from several Middle Eastern investors, according to Fisheries Development Board of Malaysia (FDBM).

The investors were looking at fish processing operations in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) launched in October, an official said. Local investors have been calling as well, he added.

The fisheries park, in Tok Bali in the state of Kelantan, processes fish into products such as fish crackers and nuggets.

The development would generate more integrated fishing activities in the area and provide revenue for the communities there, he added.

Malaysia has so far spent RM50 million (US$14.8 million)building the fisheries park. The third and last phase is scheduled to begin soon.

Tok Bali consists of a 400-metre wharf, offshore fishing platform, industrial processing facilities and commercial, business and logistics support infrastructure.

Fishing and livestock rearing are two of the principal economic activities in Kelantan state, which has a 96-kilometre coastline.