PUTRAJAYA, March 10: Sabah stands out as the main contributor to the country’s seaweed production, registering an impressive output of approximately 225,048 metric tons valued at RM100 million last year.
The Department of Fisheries (DOF) said today that seaweed cultivation in Sabah accounted for about 54 percent of the national aquaculture production.
The main areas for seaweed cultivation in the state are Semporna (1,985 hectares, production of 97.52%), Tawau (447 hectares, production of 2.38%), Kunak (55 hectares, 0.08%), Lahad Datu (510 hectares, 0.2%), and Kota Belud (8 hectares).
“With its fertile conditions as well as vast and sheltered waters protected from strong waves, Sabah is a major contributor to the country’s seaweed production,” the statement noted.
The statement was issued following the official visit to Sabah by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, who inspected seaweed production sites in Semporna. The purpose of the visit was to examine one of the contributors to the aquaculture industry, highlighting its significance in the national fisheries sector.
— BERNAMA