SABAK BERNAM, June 4 — A modern aquaculture project in Sungai Nibong here is expected to strengthen Selangor’s food security by boosting prawn production through large scale, technology driven farming.
Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation), or MBI, chief executive officer Dato’ Saipolyazan M. Yusop said the project is part of a broader 600ha aquaculture development in Sabak Bernam, with the first 100ha already launched.
According to him, of the initial phase, 50ha will be developed by Farmerex Sdn Bhd for prawn farming using modern aquaculture technology to improve yields and support the state’s food security agenda.
“One of our objectives is for the development of this first 50ha to increase prawn production. Based on previous aquaculture projects, a single pond can produce up to 40 tonnes (of prawn per harvest cycle).
“We hope that with modern technology and downstream processing facilities, the prawn can be marketed more widely while helping us achieve our food security goals,” he told reporters after the launch of the new Sabak Bernam District Education Office (PPD) here today.
It was officiated by Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah as part of the Sabak Bernam leg of the Gagasan Rumpun Selangor tour.
In a statement yesterday, MBI said it had formalised a partnership with Farmerex under two agreements to develop a commercial aquaculture farming project at the Sungai Lang Fisheries Industrial Zone (ZIPS) here.
Farmerex is a wholly owned subsidiary of Camaroe Bhd, a company listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia with extensive experience in the aquaculture industry and fisheries processing.
The project will be the first ZIPS operational venture since its launch by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari on April 25.
Saipolyazan said the agreement with Farmerex is awaiting approvals by authorities, as the project requires several regulatory clearances, including environmental approvals and permits related to seawater intakes.
“Once all necessary approvals have been obtained, we will proceed with the project,” he said, adding that the endeavour is the start of a larger aquaculture development planned for Sabak Bernam and will be implemented in stages to encourage participation from more industry players.
“The project will continue to be developed progressively and in phases so more companies can take part and realise the food security goals we aspire to achieve in Sabak Bernam,” Saipolyazan said.
