KOTA KINABALU, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- A strategic collaboration between the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah through the Freshwater Lobster Production: Green Aquaponic Perennial System (FLP-GAPS) project opens new economic opportunities for Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the high-value aquaculture sector.
TERAJU chief executive officer Junady Nawawi said the project, implemented through TERAJU's Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Fund (DPUB), integrates aquaculture technology, entrepreneurship development, and market access to establish a more sustainable business ecosystem.
"With an allocation of RM3.5 million from February 2020 to June 2027, FLP-GAPS involves 30 Bumiputera participants who receive expertise transfer, technical training, and exposure to operational management and entrepreneurship.
"The uniqueness of the project lies in its integrated approach combining freshwater lobster farming with crops through a green aquaponics system, alongside the use of technology in water management and farming operations," he said.
He said this in his speech, read by TERAJU Business Services and Entrepreneurship Division senior director Mohd Najib Jaafar, at today's recognition ceremony for the impact of the FLP-GAPS freshwater lobster aquaculture innovation project.
Junady said the approach not only improves resource efficiency but also creates a more systematic, sustainable aquaculture management system.
"Beyond farming activities, FLP-GAPS develops a value chain encompassing production, yield handling, processing, marketing, and market access, helping participants explore broader business opportunities.
"Through the commercialisation ecosystem led by UiTM's MySET (My Social Enterprise Town), participants are also exposed to product development that meets market needs and opportunities to generate more sustainable revenue streams," he added.
He said FLP-GAPS reflects the agency's approach to connecting funding with technology, talent development, and market opportunities to create a more sustainable economic impact for Bumiputera.
"For TERAJU, the success of a development initiative is not measured by the total allocation or number of participants but by its ability to generate sustainable economic opportunities.
"The FLP-GAPS project demonstrates how combining strategic funding, research expertise, and technology transfer can enhance Bumiputera capabilities and extend benefits to the community, in line with PuTERA35 (Pelan Transformasi Ekonomi Bumiputera 2035) aspirations to strengthen Bumiputera economic participation, ownership, and mastery," he said.
Junady said the project's impact extends beyond the original group of participants, as other communities are beginning to adopt the technical knowledge and experience gained.
He said one example is the aquaculture initiative at Kampung Lokub Mosque, developed after a community request to UiTM, which adapted recirculating aquaculture systems and integrated fish farming with hydroponic crops.
"This development demonstrates how knowledge transfer and technology adaptation can extend the benefits of development projects to other communities, as well as enhance the potential use of aquaculture technology in local economic activities.
"Through this ecosystem-based approach, TERAJU continues to strengthen its role as a facilitator connecting Bumiputera entrepreneurs with technology, institutions, and markets, thereby opening up avenues for participation in high-value, resilient economic activities," he said.
-- BERNAMA