Semporna Strengthened as Fisheries and Seaweed Hub

16 May 2026

SEMPORNA: The State Government is committed to strengthening the fisheries and seaweed sectors in the district to boost local incomes, said Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry.

He said Semporna’s vast marine resources must be fully harnessed, including efforts to establish more systematic fish-landing and packing facilities.

“Semporna has enormous marine treasure, including tuna with export potential, but we still lack organised landing and packing facilities,” he said while officiating the Semporna District-level Kaamatan Festival 2026 today.

Jamawi said plans for constructing a fish-landing jetty are being finalised in collaboration with the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) and the Ministry of Economy to ensure local marine produce can be marketed at higher value.

He added that his ministry has identified two strategic sites in the district suitable for development as fish-landing centres.

In addition to fisheries, he emphasised the development of the seaweed industry, which is increasingly in demand on international markets.

“Seaweed products from Semporna have reached markets in the United States, Europe and Japan, but we still lack raw supply from local producers,” he said.

He therefore encouraged more residents to enter the industry, with government support including infrastructure assistance such as drying platforms and protective fencing.

Jamawi also stressed the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem, particularly turtles, which are a tourist attraction in Semporna.

“We do not want seaweed farming activities to damage turtle habitats. That is why we are providing special fencing systems so both sectors can grow in balance,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the ministry will continue to expand other agricultural activities including banana, pandan coconut, mango and cassava cultivation to meet demand from the district’s growing tourism sector.

He noted that the arrival of up to 2,000 tourists a day presents significant opportunities for local farmers, livestock rearers and fishers to supply fresh produce.

“Don’t let these opportunities be taken entirely by outsiders. Semporna’s agricultural and fishery produce should be the first choice,” he stressed.

Jamawi said he will return to Semporna within three months to assess further needs of the fishing community and to ensure plans are implemented.

Earlier, he visited Bum Bum Island to review proposed upgrades to fisheries facilities and related projects under his ministry.

Commenting on the Kaamatan celebration, Jamawi said the festival is not only a symbol of agricultural harvests but can also be celebrated as a “harvest of the sea” for the Semporna community.

He praised the spirit of unity among the district’s multi-ethnic community, which continues to enliven Kaamatan celebrations despite the majority of residents not being of Kadazan-Dusun or Murut origin.

He said the tolerance and harmony shown can help strengthen community unity across Sabah.

Also present were the Semporna District Officer and Chairman of the District Kaamatan Festival Committee, Mas Syazwan Masood; hospitality entrepreneur Datuk Seri Panglima Datuk Dr. Tang; Semporna District Police Chief Superintendent Tan Hiap Wah; Semporna District Education Officer Hajah Rozita Anjuh; KDCA Chair Hilda Kinsil; and officers from departments and agencies under MAFFI.