KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Fish Marketing Sdn Bhd (Safma) is stepping up efforts to tap into international markets in a bid to boost the global presence of the state’s fisheries products.
Safma chairman Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin said the move supports the state government’s agenda to harness Sabah’s abundant natural resources, especially its rich marine biodiversity, as a driver of economic growth.
“Sabah is blessed with premium-quality marine resources. It is time we evolved from being merely a producer to becoming a major player in the global seafood supply chain,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (April 8).
The initiative aims to open doors to new markets, particularly in Japan, China and the Middle East.
Mohammad said the government-linked company is forging strategic collaborations with trade promotion agencies, logistics providers and seafood export industry players to ensure its products meet international standards.
The effort includes strengthening processing and packaging capabilities to suit export demands, securing halal and food safety certifications, and setting up export hubs at key locations across the state.
He added that the initiative would directly benefit local fishermen and small and medium-sized enterprises.
“As we enhance the value of our exports, we are also increasing income opportunities for local industry players.
"This is a crucial step towards building a sustainable, competitive fisheries ecosystem,” he said.
Mohammad was confident that these efforts would cement Sabah’s position as a leading supplier of high-quality seafood in the region and contribute significantly to the state’s economic development.
