By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
PAPAR: Sept 24, 2026 – The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) deployed 90 Sea Fish Farm (LIDL) modules in Papar waters last Tuesday, through a RM1.5 million allocation from PETRONAS to help reduce the impact of Sabah Oil & Gas Terminal (SOGT) operations on fishing zones and raise the income of about 500 local fishermen.
The LIDL modules are expected to increase landings and the daily income of local fishermen by between 20 and 30 per cent, aimed at helping save costs and time during operations at sea.
The modules also serve as habitats, protected zones and new breeding grounds for various marine species.
The 90 concrete modules were deployed in three strategic water areas – Kuala Papar, Beringgis and Pengalat – with 30 units placed at each location.
The modules comprise 18 empty modules, six squid modules and six lobster modules.
The programme, under the SOGT Restoration Programme, was officiated by LKIM chairman Tuan Haji Muhammad Faiz Fadzil in Pengalat waters, Papar.
Apart from fishing activities, the LIDL locations have the potential to be developed as fishing recreation zones through services bringing in outside anglers to generate side income for the community.
LKIM is committed to ensuring the programme’s effectiveness through regular technical monitoring of habitat and marine biodiversity development in Papar waters to safeguard the sustainability of the nation’s marine resources.
Also present were LKIM Agro-based Industry Division director Faizal Puasa; LKIM Engineering Division director Zainuddin Mohamad; and Sabah LKIM director Mohd Jamil @ Jomiun Abdullah.
