Generating sustainable, sufficient fishery output
Published on: Sunday, April 21, 2024
By: Sherell Jeffrey
JUHAR said that the State Government would persist in its efforts to generate sustainable and sufficient fishery production.
Last year, several programmes were implemented, including the Fish and Habitat Conservation Programme, which saw the establishment of 628 traditional tagal, the deployment of 200 artificial reefs and 10 Reef Ball artificial reefs, and the development of marine fisheries conservation areas.
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Additionally, the State Government implemented certification programmes such as the Malaysian Good Aquaculture Practices (MyGAP) and Fish Quality Certificate (FQC) to enhance food security in the aquaculture industry.
To protect fishery resources, the government has also intensified the monitoring of fishing vessels through the Vessel Monitoring System satellite-based intruder intervention system.
“To assist the B40 group among fishermen and aquaculture operators, the State Government has implemented socioeconomic development programs and provided incentives.
“This year, the State Government will intensify efforts to streamline the management and development of the fisheries sector, including initiatives to empower human capital, strengthen enforcement, attract more investments, explore the potential of deep-sea fisheries and commercial aquaculture activities, increase marine and river fishery resources, targeted research collaborations, and conservation programs,” Juhar said.
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The State Government’s efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector are also supported through the involvement of state-owned companies, such as Sawit Kinabalu Sdn Bhd’s collaboration with Borneo Lestari Sdn Bhd on the Seabass Aquaculture Project using Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology.
In the livestock sub-sector, the State Government is committed to increasing food security through high-impact projects like the Sabah Ruminant Industry Empowerment Program, which will acquire 950 Brahman female beef cattle, 50 bulls, and 1,200 goats and sheep, as well as the construction of a new Poultry Slaughterhouse in Keningau.
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The government is also actively engaging state-owned companies, such as Sawit Kinabalu Sdn Bhd, in the Sawit Kinabalu Livestock Integrated Centre (SKLIC) project in Balung, Tawau, to bolster food security in the ruminant industry.
Juhar further highlighted the State Government’s efforts to strengthen the rubber sector, implement irrigation and drainage system improvements, and manage flood risks to support the overall agricultural ecosystem in Sabah.
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