Kota kinabalu: Industry players in Sabah expressed hope that the government will give special focus to empowering the Blue Economy sector, including aquaculture and tourism, through targeted allocations in Budget 2027. Such support is seen as important to ensure the sustainability of local high-technology projects, strengthen human capital development, and reduce daily operating costs for operators, particularly those in coastal and island areas here.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) project operator Sylvia Thien said the sustainable aquaculture project developed on Pulau Boheyan, Semporna, needed government support through Budget 2027 to further unlock the potential of Sabah's Blue Economy sector. This project not only focuses on environmentally friendly marine farming activities involving seaweed, seahorses, sea cucumbers, abalone, and oysters, but also includes downstream development, including the pharmaceutical industry for global markets such as China.

Thien expressed her hope that Budget 2027 will provide low-interest financing facilities and extend tax exemptions for 10 years specifically for Blue Economy industry players. She emphasized the urgent need for diesel fuel subsidies for boats used for daily transportation, as well as subsidies for the procurement and research of aquaculture seeds, given the challenges involving the high survival rates of marine species. Thien also hoped that documentation processes, including licence applications and regulatory approvals, could be streamlined and expedited by the relevant government agencies to support the growth of the industry.

Meanwhile, Sabah Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Awil Kamsari proposed the establishment of a specialised training academy based on the blue ocean concept to empower the local workforce through training and professional certification under Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He highlighted the need for a special allocation from the government to strengthen efforts to train and guide prospective workers and communities through the TVET policy.

Awil, who is also a tourism operator, hoped the government would increase initiatives and grant allocations to help ensure the sustainability of small industry players, particularly those facing rising operating costs. He also proposed that the diesel subsidy quota for tourism industry players be increased to 500 litres per month to meet their daily boat and transportation operating needs.