By Shikin Louis
LUNDU, October 2: Rambungan Aqua Life Sdn Bhd has unveiled a shrimp pond measuring 12 hectares in Loba Stoh Aquaculture Park, Rambungan, here today, which is now the largest of its kind in Malaysia.
Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom was present to do the honour of releasing three million Vannamei shrimp seeds into the new pond.
In his speech, he mentioned that Sarawak is aiming to increase its annual export value of RM1 billion from the shrimp industry by the year 2030 and therefore, approximately 7,000 hectares of land are needed to achieve this target.
“At the moment, we have nearly 300 hectares of land here (Loba Stoh Rambungan) but the target is not far-fetched.
“We can still move on, and there’s other land available not only in Kuching but even in Tanjung Manis, Limbang, and Lawas,” he said, adding that he wishes to see Rambungan becoming an aquaculture belt for shrimp production.
Dr Rundi further hoped to see the projected harvest of the shrimp in January next year.
For the record, Rambungan Aqua Life Sdn Bhd is a joint venture between Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Sarawak (PPNS) and Sea Horse Corporation Sdn Bhd formed in September 2022 to develop 298 hectares of land at Loba Stoh aquaculture park, Rambungan for shrimp farming.
This venture comprised of harmonious blend of extensive traditional aquaculture practices and cutting-edge technology to boost shrimp production.
The utilisation of modern innovations such as paddle wheels and smart feeders will significantly contribute to stabilising the pond’s ecosystem, ensuring a thriving and sustainable environment for shrimp growth.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (Food Industry) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, who is also chairman of PPNS and Rambungan Aqua Life Sdn Bhd, stated that the company has projected 100 tonnes of shrimp production valued at RM1.8 million next year.
The figures, he said, are also expected to increase, with 260 tonnes of production valued at RM4.7 million for 2025, 420 tonnes valued at RM8.3 million (2026), and 800 tonnes valued at RM14 million (2027).
Additionally, he mentioned that of the 298 hectares of land total, the company identified 130 hectares as potential areas for 94 earth ponds which would be developed by the end of 2026.
“We also have three hilly areas where we will build office and feedstock atop the first hill area, Shrimp Information Centre atop the second area, and we want to build a restaurant and a ‘Peladang e-Shop’ in the last area.
“We also want to build a children’s playground, and there is a space for one pond of about two hectares for us to do siakap farming for sport fishing,” he said.
Dr Abdul Rahman has also requested for the Sarawak government to assist in upgrading the road stretch off the main road near Rambungan Ferry Terminal to the Loba Stoh aquaculture park. The present road is made of gravel road.
“We also need to build three SESCO sub-stations, estimated to cost about RM10 million. We had used our own fund to build the first substation costing about RM4 to RM5 million, and we hope the government can help later,” he added.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (Commodity and Regional Development) Martin Ben; Advisor in the Office of the Premier of Sarawak (Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development) Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom; Department of Agriculture Sarawak (DOA) director Dominic Chunggat; PPNS general manager Gom Raway; and Rambungan Aqua Life Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Sim Ing Jye. — DayakDaily
