The Terengganu Government has approved a 1,090 ha site for the use of a white shrimp farming aquaculture project in Merchang, Marang, writes the Malaysian national news agency, Bernama.
The project, which is expected to begin before the end of the year, is a joint venture between Malaysia’s Ocean Aquatic Marine (M) Sdn Bhd and China based Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products Co Ltd. The companies have invested RM 1.8bn (US$58m) in the aquaculture project which will export shrimp to China, the United States and the European Union once operations begin.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, Menteri Besar of Terengganu, said: “When operational, the prawn farm will be able to offer job opportunities to more than 1,000 people, especially local residents.”
He added: “With such a huge investment, we are forecasting that Terengganu will be capable of becoming the largest shrimp producer in the country.”
Elsewhere, another aquaculture project on a 1,000 ha in Penarik, Setiu, was undertaken by Blue Archipelago Bhd where operations and production has already begun. The latest aquaculture project in Marang will process a greater quantity since it will also produce shrimp seed, shrimp food and shrimp processing plant for export.
