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Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pesta Labuk Beluran 2025 celebrates culture, unity and economic renewal
Hajiji performs a gimmick launch of the 2025 Labuk Festival in Beluran on Saturday. BELURAN (Aug 16): The inaugural Pesta Labuk Beluran 2025 was officially launched on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in promoting cultural heritage, fostering community spirit and driving economic growth in rural Sabah. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who officiated the celebration at the FAMA Tamu, said the event served as a platform to honour local traditions while empowering communities. 'This festival not only showcases the cultural richness of our people but also nurtures a spirit of unity. The collective effort demonstrated here today must be emulated to preserve our heritage for generations to come,' he said. Hajiji affirmed the state government's commitment to embracing cultural diversity, which he described as Sabah's strength. In conjunction with the festival, Hajiji also launched the Sabah Cockle Industry and Resource Development Project at the Muara Jetty in Beluran. The project follows a successful pilot in Tuaran and aims to position Beluran as a model for sustainable aquaculture in the region. Spanning 1,300 hectares, the initiative will involve 650 household heads in systematic blood cockle cultivation. It is projected to produce 3,240 metric tonnes annually, with an estimated market value of RM34.4 million and potential returns up to seven times the investment. 'This is a community-driven initiative that not only generates income and jobs but also preserves our marine ecosystem,' he said, acknowledging support from SEDIA, the Department of Fisheries Malaysia and the Sabah Fisheries Department. During the event, Hajiji handed over 180 Native Title (NT) land grants to villagers from Kolapis, Pulau Klagan and Sapi, covering 297.83 hectares. 'This reflects the government's commitment to ensuring rural communities enjoy secure land ownership and long-term well-being,' he added. He proposed that Pesta Labuk be included in the state's tourism calendar to attract more visitors and create economic spillover for the local population. 'The uniqueness of Labuk's cultural elements such as the Titik Tungkil traditional music, Magalai Labuk dance and Sabung Labuk traditional attire are treasures we must continue to preserve and promote,' he said. In response to local requests, the Chief Minister approved the construction of a tourism jetty and road connecting Kampung Air Beluran, while directing Yayasan Sabah to review longstanding village land claims involving foundation-owned land.
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Festival to showcase Beluran's cultural heritage and tourism potential
Published on: Saturday, August 16, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 16, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji officiates the festival. - Pic by CMD BELURAN: The inaugural Beluran Labuk Fest 2025 has been highlighted as an important platform to preserve cultural heritage, strengthen community unity, and stimulate rural economic growth. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the festival reflected strong public support for the state government's commitment to uphold local arts, culture, and identity. He added that the celebration not only showcased the uniqueness of Beluran's cultural traditions but also served as a way to foster togetherness among the people. Speaking at the launch at Fama Tamu ground here on Saturday, Hajiji said the spirit of cooperation demonstrated during the festival should be emulated to ensure cultural heritage continues for future generations. In conjunction with the event, Hajiji also launched the Sabah Blood Cockle Industry and Resource Development Project at Beluran Jetty as a continuation of the pilot initiative started in Tuaran in July. The 1,300-hectare project involves 650 households working collectively on blood cockle farming, expected to produce 3,240 metric tonnes annually worth around RM34.4 million, with a potential sevenfold return on investment. He said the community-based aquaculture initiative would generate income, create jobs, and at the same time protect marine habitats, positioning Beluran as a benchmark for sustainable aquaculture in the region. During the same event, Hajiji presented 180 Native Title land grants covering more than 297 hectares in Kolapis, Pulau Klagan, and Sapi, reaffirming the government's commitment to secure land ownership for rural communities. The Chief Minister also proposed that Beluran Labuk Fest be included in the state tourism calendar to attract more visitors and boost the local economy through traditional music, dances, and attire unique to the district. He further announced approval for a new tourism jetty and road in Kampung Air Beluran, while urging Yayasan Sabah to review requests from long-time settlers for land within its holdings to be allocated as village reserves. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
07-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Pulau Gaya can emulate Tuaran's multi-million cockle farming initiative
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: 'These efforts will create jobs, empower youth with modern fisheries skills and elevate Tanjung Aru and Pulau Gaya as hubs for quality seafood.' Kota Kinabalu: Tuaran's multi-million ringgit cockle farming initiative could be emulated in Pulau Gaya to boost local livelihoods, while solar energy could help resolve longstanding utility issues, said Dr Ritchie Jay Cheng, a committee member of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Tanjung Aru. He said by embracing the potential of aquaculture and seafood processing, coastal communities here can boost livelihoods and support the local tourism supply chain,' he said during a donation of 50 life jackets to licensed fishermen on the island, last Sunday. 'The RM34.4 million in annual revenue potential complements Sabah's millions of tourists. 'We want downstream maritime economies to thrive alongside the booming tourism sector, ensuring that all players, including fishermen, benefit equitably. 'These efforts will create jobs, empower youth with modern fisheries skills and elevate Tanjung Aru and Pulau Gaya as hubs for quality seafood. 'This complements the Sabah Blue Economy Council's agenda to develop fisheries and tourism responsibly.' He noted that his team had found many fishermen lacked proper safety gear, often heading out to sea without life jackets. 'This is our first initiative of its kind, and we hope it will inspire and uplift the community. We hope GRS Tanjung Aru continues championing coastal communities and unlock long-term economic potential for a stronger Sabah.' Dr Ritchie said Pulau Gaya's long-standing utility issues could be addressed through renewable energy solutions. 'In my view, solar is the way forward. If each household is equipped with a solar panel, we can significantly reduce their reliance on conventional power sources,' he said. On politics, Dr Ritchie reaffirmed PGRS Tanjung Aru's readiness to support Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the upcoming State election. 'We will stand by our GRS allies, whether we contest together or go solo. Either way, we're ready,' he said, adding that the division currently has over 90 active branches. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah Cockle Resource and Industry Development Project launched
Hajiji releasing the blood cockle broodstock at the jetty of the Borneo Beach and Mangrove Resort in Tuaran on Saturday. TUARAN (July 5): The State Government has launched the Sabah Cockle Resource and Industry Development Project that has potential to generate RM34.4 million, based on an estimated landing of 3,240 metric tonnes per year and a return on investment of 7.6 times. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the 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. '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. 'This opportunity is not only profitable but also builds a sustainable future,' he said at the launching of the project at the Borneo Beach and Mangrove Resort here on Saturday. The Chief Minister said the Sabah Cockle Resource and Industry Development Project aligns with the State Government's commitment to ensure the Blue Economy becomes a solid economic foundation for the people of Sabah. The State Government is 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,' he said. The Sabah Cockle Resource and Industry Development Project, to be carried out in two phases, is a collaboration between the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), the Malaysia Fisheries Department and the Sabah Fisheries Department. The first phase, which has already been completed, 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, which would kickstart the pilot project. 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 per cent 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. 'Indeed, this project will 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. The Chief Minister said the State Government is fully committed to supporting this industry and want 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.
The Sun
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah cockle industry potential hits RM34.4 million annually
TUARAN: The cockle industry in Sabah holds significant economic potential, with projections indicating an annual revenue of RM34.4 million based on an estimated yield of 3,240 tonnes per year. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor highlighted this opportunity during the launch of the Sabah Shellfish Resource and Industry Development Project. The initiative aims to stimulate local economic growth through shellfish products while expanding export opportunities via downstream activities such as canned cockles, shellfish sambal, and other value-added food products. Hajiji urged private sector investors to capitalise on seafood processing, sustainable packaging, and export chain development, calling it a profitable and sustainable venture. The project aligns with Sabah's Blue Economy strategy, which seeks to balance economic prosperity with environmental sustainability. By 2030, the global blue economy is expected to reach US$3 trillion, reinforcing the state's commitment to marine resource development. A collaboration between the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), the Malaysian Fisheries Department, and the Sabah Fisheries Department, the project will unfold in two phases. The first phase, completed recently, involved resource mapping and exploration in Tuaran and Beluran from October 2024 to May 2025. The second phase, starting in 2026, will focus on technology transfer and field implementation across 77 farming lots covering 1,617 hectares. Each lot will be managed by 10 households, benefiting 770 fishery entrepreneurs, rural communities, and B40 group members. Even with 40% operational efficiency, participants could earn between RM4,800 and RM6,500 monthly. Hajiji, who chairs SEDIA, emphasised that the project will train youth in modern aquaculture, fostering a new generation of marine entrepreneurs. Sabah aims to become the ASEAN Blue Ocean Seafood Hub, rivalling major producers like Perak, Penang, and Selangor. The state government pledges ongoing support through training and technology to ensure long-term success.
