KUCHING: The Sarawak government has signed an MoU with Norway-based Blue Future Holding to establish a black tilapia broodstock and research centre aimed at strengthening the state’s aquaculture sector and food security.
The agreement, between the Department of Agriculture Sarawak and Blue Future Holding, focuses on research, genetic improvement, and the production of high-quality tilapia broodstock.
“This collaboration will introduce advanced R&D and technology to produce black tilapia, a species successfully developed in Brazil and the Philippines,” said Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
He said Sarawak’s location outside the Ring of Fire makes it ideal for aquaculture, and the new facility will also distribute fingerlings statewide.
The centre, covering 200 acres of land including 50 acres for research, will help modernize the industry and support local farmers through access to quality fry and modern equipment.
“The black tilapia is tastier and more resilient, and this project could help us become a major exporter to Asean markets,” said Dr Rundi, calling the partnership a “game changer” for sustainable aquaculture in Sarawak.