PH candidate Zaidi Jatil proposes seafood processing factories and job creation for Bandau to address oversupply and price volatility in local fisheries.
KOTA MARUDU: Pakatan Harapan candidate Zaidi Jatil has pledged to establish an agriculture and marine-based industrial zone in Bandau to boost local economic development.
He said seafood processing factories for anchovies and mussels would stabilise the commodity market chain currently facing oversupply and price volatility.
This strategic initiative would reduce reliance on limited markets in Kota Marudu and Kota Kinabalu while creating more job opportunities for local youth.
“Kota Marudu is known for its anchovy and mussel production, but the market is limited,” Zaidi told Bernama.
“When oversupply occurs, prices drop further. If there are seafood processing factories here, demand will increase and support local fishermen.”
He identified strategic areas like Tanjung Batu and Marasinsim as having strong potential for industrial development targeting investors from Peninsular Malaysia and abroad.
“We can assure that these investing companies will prioritise hiring local residents because investment opportunities have been provided,” he said.
“The condition is that job opportunities must first be given to Bandau residents.”
Currently, the district’s only primary industry is a palm oil mill with most workers from outside the district.
If elected in the 17th Sabah State Election, Zaidi also aims to implement the Bandau People’s Farm Project for youth from low-income families.
This project would open opportunities in livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism sectors.
Facing a 13-cornered contest, he has pledged to enhance sports facilities to develop more talented athletes from the district.
He promises a more systematic talent development pipeline if elected.
Bandau is located about 124 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu in the Kota Marudu parliamentary constituency.
It shares the constituency with Matunggong and Tandek state seats.
