KUCHING: The state government has identified about 200 acres of land for the establishment of a black tilapia genetics resource centre under a new collaboration between the Department of Agriculture (DoA) Sarawak and Blue Future Holding Norway.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the facility, which may require only around 50 acres initially, will serve as a vital hub for research, development and breeding of black tilapia fingerlings.
“What we are trying to do is to transform the farmers who are doing something but not getting anywhere.
“Once they have proper facilities and a consistent supply of quality fries and fingerlings, they can develop cages and expand their production,” he said after witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between both parties here at Imperial Hotel today.
He said the state has many suitable water bodies for aquaculture, including Bakun, Murum, Balui and Batang Ai dams, which can be designated as aquaculture zones once the waters are matured.
“Bakun alone is as big as Singapore. With these dams, we have ample space for cage farming, and with proper planning and technology, Sarawak has great potential not only in tilapia but aquaculture as a whole,” he added.
The collaboration with Blue Future Holding Norway aims to advance research and technology in black tilapia breeding.
Black tilapia is a species considered hardier, tastier and more suited to Sarawak’s climate compared to red tilapia.
Dr Rundi described the initiative as a “game changer” for the state’s aquaculture industry, noting that it will not only strengthen local food supply but also position Sarawak as an exporter of tilapia to regional markets such as Singapore and beyond.
He said Sarawak’s natural environment and strategic location outside the Pacific Ring of Fire make it an ideal site for aquaculture development, with access to large markets in China, India and the ASEAN region.
The minister also revealed that the government is moving towards sustainable feed production through biomass technology, beginning with ruminant feed and eventually fish feed, using materials such as oil palm waste, Napier grass and black soldier fly larvae.
“This will help cut production costs and support a circular economy, as we plan to utilise biomass for energy, fertiliser and animal feed,” he said.
He added that research will also focus on developing high-value indigenous fish species such as umpura, which can fetch up to RM800 per kilogramme in export markets like Hong Kong and China.
Also present during the press conference were Deputy Minister, Datuk Martin Ben, adviser to the ministry, Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, and other distinguished guests.
