TAWAU: Industry players in Sabah expressed hope that the government will give special focus to empowering the Blue Economy sector, including aquaculture and tourism, through targeted allocations in Budget 2027.
Such support is seen as important to ensure the sustainability of local high-technology projects, strengthen human capital development and reduce daily operating costs for operators, particularly those in coastal and island areas here.
Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) project operator Sylvia Thien said the sustainable aquaculture project developed on Pulau Boheyan, Semporna, needed government support through Budget 2027 to further unlock the potential of Sabah’s Blue Economy sector.
“This project not only focuses on environmentally friendly marine farming activities involving seaweed, seahorses, sea cucumbers, abalone and oysters, but also includes downstream development, including the pharmaceutical industry for global markets such as China.
“I hope Budget 2027 will provide low-interest financing facilities and extend tax exemptions for 10 years specifically for Blue Economy industry players.
“In addition, diesel fuel subsidies for boats used for daily transportation, as well as subsidies for the procurement and research of aquaculture seeds, are urgently needed given the challenges involving the high survival rates of marine species,” she told Bernama.
Thien also hoped that documentation processes, including licence applications and regulatory approvals, could be streamlined and expedited by the relevant government agencies to support the growth of the industry.
Meanwhile, Sabah Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Awil Kamsari proposed the establishment of a specialised training academy based on the blue ocean concept to empower the local workforce through training and professional certification under Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Tvet).
“We see many workers with extensive experience, but their progress stops there due to the lack of formal certification.
“In the lead-up to Budget 2027, we are highlighting the need for a special allocation from the government so that efforts to train and guide prospective workers and communities can be strengthened through the Tvet policy,” he said.
Awil, who is also a tourism operator, hoped the government would increase initiatives and grant allocations to help ensure the sustainability of small industry players, particularly those facing rising operating costs.
He also proposed that the diesel subsidy quota for tourism industry players be increased, for example, to 500 litres per month, to meet their daily boat and transportation operating needs.
