Setiu’s Shrimp Aquaculture Park expects RM12 mln profit

SETIU: A fully Integrated Shrimp Aquaculture Park (iSHARP) developed by Blue Archipelago Bhd in Kampung Nyatuh here, which is able to produce 4,000 metric tonnes of shrimp per year, expects to rake in a profit of RM12 million.

Blue Archipelago Acting Chief Executive Officer Wan Nadhri Wan Fauzi said iSHARP would export its harvests overseas, especially to China, European countries, New Zealand and Singapore besides catering to the local market.

“The iSHARP shrimp hatchery centre started operations in 2015 with the production of one billion prawn seeds per year to accommodate its farming needs and that of small breeders on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

“The 1,000-hectare shrimp farm provides 392 jobs, of which 90 per cent are locals, comprising skilled, trained and managerial personnel,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters at the D’Mukim and “Sentuhan Rakyat Sales” in conjunction with the release of shrimp seeds by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman here.

Also present was Khazanah Nasional Bhd President Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof.

Wan Nadhri said iSHARP was an innovative approach to encourage cooperation between the private sector, state governments and the federal government to stimulate the aquaculture industry and its modernisation.

He said it was also aimed at delivering high quality and consistent certified products for premium markets.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Razif said the shrimp farm would also be able to attract tourists to ??Setiu not only for sightseeing, but also to study and learn about its hatchery, as well to savour prawn dishes.

“We also thank iSHARP for creating jobs for local youths at the farm, as well as at its supply and distribution chains,” he said. — Bernama