Sabah aims to boost its economy by developing a deep-sea fishery value chain and pioneering ocean thermal energy conversion in ASEAN
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah must develop its deep-sea fishery industry through a comprehensive value chain to enhance economic returns.
Sook assemblyman Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said this approach requires integrated landing infrastructure, high-tech processing, cold logistics, and export market access.
He emphasised this strategy will increase the value of marine products and reduce reliance on raw material exports.
Arthur, also Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister, said Sabah possesses unique structural and geographical advantages.
He stated this potential should be strategically harnessed as a new economic “gold mine” via a data-driven Blue Economy agenda.
“Sabah has a clear strategic advantage in developing ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) by becoming the first ASEAN state to pass an OTEC Enactment,” he said during the state assembly debate.
He explained Sabah’s vast oceans and temperature differentials make it ideal for generating clean, sustainable ocean-based energy.
Studies indicate Sabah could generate up to 20,000 megawatts via OTEC on its west and east coasts, aligning with state energy and blue economy master plans.
Arthur noted initial OTEC development could contribute to energy supply, green hydrogen production, and zero-carbon targets.
Strategic collaboration between government, academia, and industry could attract high-value investments and skilled jobs, positioning Sabah as a sustainable energy hub.
“A science-based Blue Economy agenda can make Sabah a major regional maritime player and a future net exporter of clean energy,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Daud Yusof (Warisan-Bongawan) called for serious focus on strengthening downstream fisheries.
He advocated building marine product processing factories to increase the sector’s economic value and stabilise fishermen’s catch prices.
Constructing factories for sardines, anchovies, frozen fish, and value-added products would reduce dependence on intermediaries and create local jobs.
“Our fishermen work hard at sea, but huge profits are lost at the processing and marketing stages,” he said.
He argued the state budget must break this chain with strategic government intervention.
“If agriculture is the guarantee of food security, then fisheries is the guarantee of Sabah’s blue economy,” Daud said. – Bernama
