Kota kinabalu: Sabah needs to develop the deep-sea fishery industry comprehensively based on a value chain that includes landing infrastructure, high-technology processing facilities, cold logistics systems, and export market access. Sook State Assemblyman Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup emphasized the importance of this approach to increase the added value of Sabah's marine produce and reduce dependence on the export of raw materials.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Arthur, who is also the Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister, highlighted the structural and geographical advantages that the state possesses, which are rarely found in other regions. He suggested that this potential should be strategically utilized as a new 'gold mine' for the state's economy through the implementation of the Blue Economy agenda based on planning, data, and technology.
Arthur further elaborated on Sabah's strategic advantage in the development of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), noting that it has become the first state in ASEAN to pass the OTEC Enactment. The favorable geographical position and sea temperature differences make Sabah an ideal location for generating clean and sustainable ocean-based energy. In his debate at the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, he mentioned that studies indicate Sabah's potential to generate up to 20,000 megawatts of energy through OTEC on both coasts, aligning with the Sabah Energy Master Plan and Direction 2040, as well as the Sabah Blue Economy agenda.
He acknowledged that full implementation would take time but stated that initial development at a manageable scale could contribute significantly to energy supply, including green hydrogen production. This would enhance energy security and the zero-carbon target. Arthur emphasized that strategic collaboration between the government, academic institutions, and industry could attract high-value investments, create skilled jobs, and position Sabah as a sustainable energy hub, driving long-term economic growth.
Arthur noted that with a science and technology-based approach, the Blue Economy agenda could transform Sabah into a significant player in the regional maritime economy and enable it to emerge as a net energy exporter in the future's clean energy landscape.
Meanwhile, Datuk Dr. Daud Yusof (Warisan-Bongawan) urged a serious focus on strengthening downstream fisheries by building marine product processing factories to increase the economic value of the sector. He stressed the importance of constructing seafood processing factories, especially for sardines, anchovies, frozen fish products, and value-added seafood products, to stabilize fishermen's catch prices.
Dr. Daud pointed out that such measures would reduce reliance on intermediaries, create local job opportunities, and boost the export value of Sabah's seafood products. He noted that while fishermen work hard at sea, significant profits are lost at the processing and marketing stages. He called for strategic government intervention to break this chain, asserting that if agriculture guarantees food security, then the fisheries industry is vital for ensuring Sabah's blue economy.