Yahya, who is also the state Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, said this was based on the forecast on the output of aquaculture products by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia of 207,200 metric tonnes valued at RM2.5 billion for the period.
According to Bernama, he said that by 2010 Sabah was expected to produce 33,000 metric tonnes of seawater prawns worth RM1.06 billion, marine fish (30,700 metric tonnes; RM1.23 billion), freshwater fish (12,700 metric tonnes; RM125 million), cockles (6,000 metric tonnes; RM28 million) and seaweed (125,000 metric tonnes; RM24 million).
"The targets set by the department are expected to make the state the biggest producer of aquaculture products by 2010.
"The state, with vast areas that are suitable for aquaculture, has the potential to become the centre for aquaculture and this potential has been recognised by the department," he said at the launch of state Aquaculture Licensing Programme here Thursday.
The text of his speech was read by the minister's assistant, Datuk Bobbey Suan.
Sabah Set to Overshadow Malaysian Aquaculture
MALAYSIA - Sabah has the potential to become the biggest producer of aquaculture products in the country by 2010, said Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Yahya Hussin.