KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 10): A Chinese firm is investing RM140 million to build an aquaculture feed manufacturing facility in Taiping, Perak.

The first phase of the plant will have two shrimp feed production lines and two fish feed production lines with a combined annual production capacity of 150,000 tonnes, according to a statement on Monday. Operation is expected to begin in 2028.

The project is expected to create more than 100 jobs as well as serve demand in Malaysia and neighbouring markets.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the plant was held on Monday by Sheng Long Aqua Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, an aquaculture subsidiary of China-based Guangdong Haid Group Co Ltd that specialises in agriculture and animal husbandry.

The Perak site will be the company’s 10th feed manufacturing plant and its first production base in Malaysia.

The facility will also function as Sheng Long's manufacturing and technical service hub in Malaysia, according to the joint statement by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), Perak Investment Management Centre also known as InvestPerak and Sheng Long.

"Through this investment, we aim to provide high-quality aquaculture feed, a more reliable supply chain, and comprehensive technical support to help farmers improve productivity and profitability,” said Sheng Long general manager Chuang Jie Cheng.

Sheng Long has nine feed manufacturing facilities, four shrimp hatcheries, one tilapia hatchery and one research centre in Southeast and South Asia.