Sarawak tests Australian cod for local, Singapore markets

SINGAPORE, 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Sarawak Tests Australian Cod Farming in Betong to Boost Aquaculture for Local and Singapore Markets

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced on September 28 that the state is trialling the farming of Australian cod in Betong, marking a new initiative to diversify its aquaculture sector and supply both domestic and Singaporean markets.

The move shows Sarawak’s push to strengthen its fisheries industry amid rising demand, with the premier highlighting the trial as part of broader efforts to expand food production. The announcement came during the opening of Sarawak Agrofest 2026 in Bintulu, where Johari stated that the Australian cod—previously sourced externally—would now be farmed locally in Betong. The trial aims to reduce reliance on imports while tapping into growing export opportunities, particularly for Singapore.

Johari noted that fish exports from Batang Ai to Singapore have increased, signaling strong demand for Sarawak’s aquatic products in neighboring markets. He emphasized that the state’s fisheries sector is positioned to serve both local consumers and overseas buyers, with the Australian cod trial being a key step in this expansion. The initiative aligns with Sarawak’s broader strategy to enhance food security and economic diversification through aquaculture.

The event was attended by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Dato Seri Mohammad Sabu and Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, reflecting the multi-level support for the state’s agricultural and fisheries development. The trial in Betong, coupled with the rising export volumes from Batang Ai, positions Sarawak as an emerging player in Southeast Asia’s aquaculture trade, particularly in high-value species like cod.

For Malaysian investors and market observers, the development signals potential growth in Sarawak’s aquaculture and export-oriented fisheries sectors, particularly for species traditionally imported. The success of the Australian cod trial could pave the way for further diversification in farmed fish varieties, reducing import dependence and boosting local production. Meanwhile, Singapore’s appetite for Sarawak’s aquatic products—already evident in the increased Batang Ai exports—may drive further investment in processing and logistics infrastructure to meet regional demand.

The next phase for Sarawak’s fisheries sector will depend on the outcomes of the Betong trial, with potential scalability hinging on market acceptance, production efficiency, and export logistics. If successful, the initiative could set a precedent for other high-value species trials, reinforcing Sarawak’s role as a key supplier in ASEAN’s growing aquaculture market.

The state’s focus on both domestic and export markets ensures that the trial’s success will have ripple effects across its broader agricultural and trade strategies.