Australian cod in Betong? Sarawak tests new fish for local, Singapore markets

Abang Johari (fourth right) receives a souvenir from Dr Rundi as Mohamad Sabu (third right) and other leaders look on during the opening of Sarawak Agrofest 2026 in Bintulu on Sept 28, 2026. Photo credit: UKAS

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Sept 28: Australian cod could soon find a new home in Betong as Sarawak tests the fish as part of efforts to expand its aquaculture sector.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Australian cod was being trialled in Betong, adding another species to Sarawak’s efforts to grow its fisheries industry.

“In Betong, they are trying to farm cod fish from Australia. They want to farm it for the domestic market as well as Singapore,” he said in his speech at the opening of Sarawak Agrofest 2026 in Bintulu today, which was broadcast live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) across its social media platforms.

Abang Johari also pointed to growing fish exports from Batang Ai to Singapore.

“The volume of fish we export from Batang Ai to Singapore has increased,” he said.

He said the development reflected the growing potential for Sarawak’s fish farming activities to serve both local and overseas markets.

The Australian cod trial in Betong and increasing fish exports from Batang Ai are among the fisheries initiatives highlighted by Abang Johari as Sarawak expands its food production activities.

Also present were 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. — DayakDaily