Fisheries and Food industries

In 2003 Yayasan Sabah Group expanded its business portfolios to incorporate fisheries and food industries. This move is in line with the strategic directions set in the Third National Agricultural Policy (NAPS); the Second State Agricultural Policy (SAP2) and Sabah's Halatuju, in order to further enhance the contribution of the agro-based sector towards economic growth.

Fisheries & Food Industries Division comprises three operating units:

1) Fisheries;

2) Livestock and

3) Agri-Cash/Food Crops.

The objectives:

* To tap/explore the business potentials/opportunities in agro-based related activities;

* To develop a pool of skilled Workers/contract farmers/entrepreneurs to support the industries through training programs;

* To promote local economic developments in the agro-based related areas.

Seaweed Cultivation Project (Semporna)

This project undertakes seaweed (euchuema cottonii) cultivation and trading activities. Seaweed is a source of raw material for processing of carrageenan which has broad based applications in both food and non-food industries. It is an alternative to animal- based gelatin in food industries used as enhancer, emulsifier, gelling, thickening, binding and stabilizing agent and also in non- food application such as dentifrice, pharmacology and industrial products.

Coral Propagation Project (Semporna)

A pioneer project in Malaysia in the commercialization of cultured live corals to meet the increasing demand for marine ornamentals worldwide, this technique of culturing corals has been proven successful in supplying hard and soft corals. The advantages of cultured corals are that they adapt better to aquarium conditions than wild corals and also satisfy the requirements of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). This project will include services in the rehabilitation of destroyed coral reef in order to preserve the coastal ecosystems.

Shrimp Farming Pilot Project (Kuala Penyu)

A joint venture pilot project between IFSB (70%) and Eco-Shrimp (M) Sdn Bhd (30%), this pilot project in shrimp farming is a technology based/application. A closed system with Sludge Removal System which reduces effluents during production cycle. This technique is likely to give rise to lesser environmental impacts and be less vulnerable to environmental changes outside the farm.

The pilot project will operate based on two ponds. The success of the pilot project will lead to the commercialization of shrimp for local and export markets.

Training Program

Besides access to subsidies/credits, training is also an important factor in determining the success of any venture. Hence, Inno Fisheries Sdn. Bhd. Has taken the opportunity to address it through collaboration with federal/state agencies - Sabah Federal Development Department, Sabah Human Resource Development Department and Sabah Fisheries Department. The training program called Marine Aquaculture Program (Program Usahamaju Akuakultur Marin). The course modules in this program include theory/concept, practical training, basic book- keeping, farm management techniques and study visit. It is aimed to develop a pool of skilled workers/contract farmers/entrepreneurs to support the industries moving toward the development of Sabah as an aquaculture hub.. To date, a total of sixty three(63) participants have undergone the one month training program in seaweed cultivation. Inno Fisheries Sdn. Bhd. Hopes to expand the program to include sea cage farming, etc.