PITAS: Delivery of high-impact projects in rural areas will remain a key government agenda, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said.
“The people in rural Sabah will not be neglected and the government is well aware of their needs,” Musa said when launching the RM1.23 billion Pitas Shrimp Park over the weekend.
The joint venture project involving state-owned Inno Fisheries Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Yayasan Sabah, and a private company, Sunlight Seafood (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, will be the biggest in the country.
Prawn production has begun in earnest at the 1,600 hectare site where over 1,500 ponds are expected to be developed with a capacity to produce 20,000 tonnes annually once fully operational.
Musa said the aquaculture project would be a major economic boost for the district as it would generate about 3,000 jobs and help locals improve their earnings.
“This project was mooted in line with the Economic Transformation Programme envisioned by the prime minister.”
The private entity will be investing RM963 million into the project topped by RM268 million from the National Key Economic Area fund from the Federal Government.
Musa said even those who were not employed under the project would benefit from the development spillover as it would bring about new roads as well as better electricity and water supply.
“This is how the Barisan Nasional government delivers its promise to the people — by providing comprehensive and holistic development.
“The rural community have always been supportive of the government and their needs will not be neglected.”