SAFMA explores export markets

8 April 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Fish Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (SAFMA), a wholly-owned company of the Sabah State Government under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI), is actively implementing a new initiative to explore export markets in an effort to expand the marketing network of Sabah’s fishery products internationally.

SAFMA Chairman, Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin, stated that this move aligns with the state government’s aim to drive economic growth based on the state’s natural resources, particularly in the fisheries sector, which has significant potential in the global market.

“We have rich and high-quality marine resources. It is time for Sabah to not only be a producer but also a key player in the global fisheries supply chain.

“This initiative will open new market opportunities, especially to countries such as Japan, China, and those in the Middle East,” he said in a statement today.

He further noted that SAFMA is currently establishing strategic collaborations with trade promotion agencies, logistics companies, and seafood export industry players to ensure that product standards meet international market requirements.

Key focuses of this initiative include enhancing processing and packaging capacities to meet export standards, halal certification, and food safety, as well as establishing export hubs in several strategic locations in Sabah.

Mohammad also emphasised that this approach will directly benefit local fishermen and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the fisheries industry.

“When value-added exports increase, the incomes of local fishermen and industry players will also rise. This is an important step towards creating a sustainable and competitive fisheries ecosystem,” he remarked.

According to Mohammad, SAFMA is optimistic that this initiative will strengthen Sabah's position as a hub for high-quality seafood in the region and contribute to the overall economic development of the state.