Sabah launches cockles development project to potentially generate RM34mil in annual revenue

The Star

05-07-2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has launched its Cockle Resource and Industry Development Project, which has the potential to generate RM34.4mil in annual revenue, once fully operational.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this number was based on an estimated landing of 3,240 metric tonnes per year and a return on investment of 7.6 times.
He said this project would open up new export opportunities for Sabah cockles through downstream activities such as canning, sambal kerang (cockle paste) and blood cockle-based food products, offering not only profits but also building a sustainable future.
'For the private sector, this is the best time to invest in seafood processing, sustainable packaging, and the development of Sabah's export supply chain,' he said at the launching of the project at the Borneo Beach and Mangrove Resort Tuaran, Saturday (July 5).
Hajiji said the Sabah Cockle Resource and Industry Development Project aligned with the state government's commitment to ensure that the Blue Economy becomes a solid economic foundation for the people of Sabah.
He said Sabah was committed to taking steps in exploring marine and maritime resources as part of efforts to strengthen the state's position in the international Blue Economy landscape.
'The Blue Economy not only has the potential to balance prosperity with sustainability, but by the year 2030, the global value of the Blue Economy is projected to reach USD3 trillion (RM12.6trillion),' he said.
This project, to be carried out in two phases, was a collaboration between the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia), the Malaysia Fisheries Department and the Sabah Fisheries Department, said Hajiji.
The first phase, which kickstarts the project, has already been completed and involved mapping studies and exploration of blood cockle (Tegillarca granosa) resources conducted from October 2024 to May 2025 at six potential locations, including Tuaran and Beluran, he said.
The second phase of the project is scheduled to commence in 2026, involving the transfer of technology and actual field implementation.
Hajiji said that a total of 77 aquaculture lots have been identified, comprising 12 in Tuaran and 65 in Beluran, covering an area of 1,617 hectares.
Each lot will be managed by 10 household heads (KIR), making it a total of 770 KIR as the main beneficiaries, comprising fishery entrepreneurs, rural communities, and the B40 group.
'In fact, even if only 40% of the lots operate at optimum capacity, participants can generate a monthly income of around RM4,800 to RM6,500,' he said.
'Certainly, the communities involved will gain sustainable income through blood cockle farming. Youth will also be trained in modern aquaculture skills, producing a new generation of Sabah's marine entrepreneurs,' Hajiji said.
He said this project would not only bring significant change to the people, particularly the community involved, but also to the environment and the state's economy.
'Sabah will be developed as the Asean Blue Seafood Hub, on par with major producing states such as Perak, Penang, and Selangor,' he said.
Hajiji said the state government was fully committed to supporting this industry and wanted the project participants to get continuous training and modern technology.
'I urge the communities in Tuaran and Beluran, as the pioneers or leaders of this project, to fully utilise the acquired modern technology to enhance the capacity and productivity of the aquaculture sector,' he said.