By Olivia Miwil
SEMPORNA: Locals here are encouraged to take up seaweed farming amid rising export demand, said Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
"Seaweed products from Semporna have entered markets in the United States, Europe and Japan, but we still lack raw supply from local producers.
"We do not want seaweed farming activities to affect turtle habitats.
"That is why we provide special fencing systems so that both sectors can grow in balance," he said in a statement after launching the Semporna District Kaamatan Festival 2026 celebration here.
He said despite the significant economic value of seaweed, there is a need to protect marine ecosystems, particularly turtles, which are a major attraction for tourists.
He added that the vast potential of marine resources in Semporna must be fully utilised, including efforts to establish more systematic fish landing and packaging facilities.
"Semporna has a very large marine treasure, including tuna, which has export potential, but we still lack proper landing and packaging facilities."
Jamawi said the proposal to build a fish landing jetty is currently being refined together with the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) and the Economy Ministry to ensure local marine products can be marketed at higher value.
Meanwhile, he said the ministry will continue to expand other agricultural activities, including bananas, pandan coconuts, mangoes and cassava, to meet growing demand from the tourism sector in the district.
He said the arrival of up to 2,000 tourists daily presents a major opportunity for local farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen to supply fresh produce.
Comments
Post a Comment