About Blue Economy | Sabah Blue Economy

EXTRACTION OF NON LIVING RESOURCES, GENERATION OF NEW RESOURCES

Mineral

Seabed Mining Industry

Seabed mining is the activity of extracting mineral resources metallic and industrial from the seabed such as manganese, copper, cobalt, zinc and rare earth metals, including sea sand. The deposit is usually found in three (3) locations located at the bottom of the sea, ie in the area of abyssal plains, seamounts and hydrothermal vents. Abyssal plains are vast expanses of the deep ocean floor covered with various sediments and mineral deposits, also called nodules polymetallic.

In accordance with the functions and roles of the Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia (JMG), JMG Sabah, through the Mineral Resources Unit plays a role in resource exploration minerals in this new environment. However, so far, activities related to exploration resources and undersea mining activities are still unexplored and need to be given emphasis on Blue Economy Development.

Energy

Oil and Gas, Renewables Energy Industry

Through renewable energy technology that is currently being explored as one of the potential sources of energy in Sabah. Typically, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) can be deployed in equatorial waters where the year-round temperature differential between the deep and surface waters is at least 20°C. OTEC harnesses the temperature differences between warm surface waters and cold deep waters to generate electricity through a thermodynamics cycle.

Warm surface water is pumped through an evaporator containing working fluid. The vaporized fluids will drive a turbine/generator. The vaporized fluid is turned back to liquid in a condenser cooled with cold ocean water pumped from deeper in the ocean. OTEC produces electricity without emitting greenhouse gases (GHG), making it a clean and sustainable energy source.

The identification of biological resources such as coral reefs, seaweed, seaweed, coastal plants and other fisheries and marine life treasures in Sabah is important. Currently, the information of the sources is being collected and stored in the Sabah Biodiversity Integrated Information System (SaBIIS) developed under the SaBC. Sabah's Biotechnology Guidelines 2024-2034 have been prepared for implementation which also includes water areas. With this in mind, Sabah Biotechnology Centre has a 10-years plan to drive Sabah's biotechnology development which also includes other aspects such as research, tourism and local community development.

The pharmaceutical field based on ocean resources has not yet been explored in Sabah, therefore with the existence of this direction document, Sabah will begin to venture into the pharmaceutical field more deeply. Sabah also has the potential to venture into bio-based products such as algae and seaweed, strengthening the paradigm of turning waste into wealth, becoming a major player in the nutraceutical industry and highlighting Sabah's commitment to innovation in sustainable practices at the global level.

HARVEST OF LIVING RESOURCES

Marine Biotechnology

Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industry

COMMERCE AND TRADE IN AND AROUND THE OCEAN

Fresh Water

Desalination Industry

Production of potable water as a by-product through desalination process is one of the crucial part in providing water supply. This is done by utilizing cold seawater from the deep ocean to facilitate the condensation of freshwater from humid air. With its potential for deployment in relatively nearshore locations of Tawau, OTEC systems may be a viable solution to address water scarcity challenges in Sabah, especially access to clean water while reducing reliance on limited freshwater sources.

Transportation and Trade

Shipping, Port Ifrastructure and Services

Among the activities that involve economic development are new landing terminals for goods, passengers and ship to ship operations that catalyze the economy of the State of Sabah.  

Tourism and Recreation

Tourism, Coastal Development Industry

The scuba diving tourism sector in Sabah’s Marine Park offers a unique experience with amazing coral reefs and rich marine flora and fauna. It stands as a prestigious destination worldwide, thanks to effective management of diving activities. The scuba diving industry in Sabah continues to grow with a focus on sustainability in the ecosystem. Additionally, awareness of marine conservation is emphasized to tourists to ensure responsible enjoyment of the beauty of Sabah's ocean.

RESPONSE TO OCEAN AND RIVER HEALTH CHALLENGES

Ocean Monitoring and Surveilance

Technology and R&D Industry

In addition to drive the economy of the State of Sabah, the security and sovereignty of the State must always be maintained with precise cooperation between enforcement agencies. Adaptation of technologies i the gamechanger for the State to maintain the security and sovereignty.

Coastal Proctection

Habitat Protection and

Restoration Industry

The ecosystem of a coastal area is very fragile and highly vulnerable to natural factors such as wind, wave, sediments and others including disturbance by human activity. To ensure sustainability of our coastal ecosystems and in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 14, implementations of Government policies and regulations such as the Sabah Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and the Environment Protection Enactment 2002 amongst others have to be carried out. Hence, exploration of economic activity in such area in a sustainable and planned manner, will contribute to significant economic growth and generate various employment opportunities.

Carbon Sequestration

Blue Carbon Industry

OTEC can potentially step up decarbonization efforts in Sabah through generating clean and renewable energy and displacing fossil fuel energy generation. By harnessing the thermal energy stored in the oceans nearby Sabah’s shores, OTEC systems produces electricity without emitting greenhouse gases (GHG). Sabah is committed to meet its net zero emissions target by 2050 and integrating OTEC into the energy mix will contribute to decarbonization efforts, promoting environmental sustainability and mitigating climate change.