KUALA LUMPUR: Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) which runs from 2026 to 2030, the blue economy will be further strengthened with the marine fuel supply services industry to reach RM19.4 billion by 2030, up from RM14.5 billion in 2024.
According to the Economic Ministry’s main document, a dedicated blue economy satellite account is expected to be fully developed by 2030, with the number of modern fishing vessels projected to rise to 45 from merely eight in 2024.
The plan also includes upgrading or building fishing vessel shipyards with construction, maintenance, and repair facilities at 10 targeted locations.
“Blue economy development will be managed sustainably to boost economic growth, improve societal well-being, and protect marine, coastal, and freshwater ecosystems for current and future generations,” the document said.
The focus will be on growing key industries and preserving biodiversity. Strategic industries will include shipbuilding and repairs, logistics, fisheries and aquaculture, coastal/maritime tourism, and blue renewable energy.
Port infrastructure will be enhanced to support growth.
The document said Port Klang’s capacity will be expanded with a third terminal on Carey Island and Westports 2 container terminal to adopt low-carbon practices. Port capacities in Sabah and Sarawak will also be upgraded.
Existing financial incentives will be improved, and sustainable financing mechanisms, including joint financing, will be explored.
“The use of technology and innovation will also focus on ocean waste management, environmental conservation, and blue carbon initiatives,” it said.
Additionally, regional cooperation will be intensified in research and development, commercialisation and innovation, technology transfer, talent development, and expertise sharing.
Blue economy hubs will be developed in high-potential states like Kelantan, Perak, Sabah, and Terengganu to attract investment. Local expertise will be tapped to attract youth into high-income blue economy careers.
To preserve biodiversity, enforcement of the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317) will be strengthened, especially in the South China Sea, to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The act will also be amended to address declining fishery resources.
The 13MP document also said the traditional methods of community-based fisheries known as the “tagal” and “tagang” practised in Sabah and Sarawak will be expanded to Peninsular Malaysia to protect inland fisheries.
“Strategic partnerships with the private sector, non-governmental organisations and local communities will be enhanced in waste management and beach cleaning programmes on islands. Tourism operators will be encouraged to adopt sustainable energy, water, and waste management technologies.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
