How a RM700 gamble and YouTube videos helped a Sandakan villager build a soft-shell crab business

SANDAKAN, June 16 — When Suhaili Abdurahman first began rearing juvenile mud crabs in the waters off Kampung Bambangan here, many villagers regarded the venture as unusual, even eccentric. But the scepticism did little to deter him.

So committed was he to the idea that he moved with his wife and three young children into a floating house beside six crab cages stocked with about 70 kilogrammes (kg) of juvenile mud crabs. His goal was simple: to ensure that the RM700 he had invested in building the cages and purchasing the crabs would not go to waste.

About a month after releasing the crabs into the cages, Suhaili began reaping the rewards. The juvenile mud crabs had transformed into soft-shell crabs, a prized seafood delicacy that commanded attractive returns.

That modest experiment in 2013 marked the beginning of a journey that would not only transform the fortunes of his family but also spark an economic shift in the community, as other villagers ventured into soft-shell crab farming after witnessing his success.

Inspired by YouTube

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Suhaili, 46, said he entered the industry with no formal knowledge or training, relying instead on videos he watched on YouTube.

“At that time, I was working for a private company. My days were busy, but whenever I had free time, I enjoyed watching videos on social media and YouTube. Several videos on soft-shell crab farming in neighbouring countries caught my attention.

“I decided to give it a try, despite having no knowledge, encouragement or assistance. All I had was determination. Back then, nobody here was farming soft-shell crabs.

“I believed that if neighbouring countries could do it, then the waters of Kampung Bambangan must have the same potential,” he told Bernama.

Armed with that conviction, Suhaili launched his venture in November 2013. With just RM700 in capital, he carefully budgeted to build a small floating house and six cages before purchasing his first batch of juvenile mud crabs.

Despite having no formal training or guidance, his maiden project succeeded, strengthening his resolve to pursue the business.

“For four years, until 2017, my family and I lived in this small floating house, even though our children were still very young. I am grateful because the sacrifice was worth it,” he said.

A three-hour window

Suhaili explained that living on the floating house allowed him to closely monitor the crabs, particularly during the crucial moulting stage when they shed their shells.

“The moulting process usually takes place at night, between 6 pm and 1 am. If I miss that window, the crab will simply become a normal mud crab.

“Once a crab begins moulting, I only have about three hours to collect it. If I am late, the shell will harden, or the crab may be eaten by other crabs. So I have to harvest and separate them immediately,” he explained.

To encourage moulting and prevent the crabs from climbing out of the cages, Suhaili trims their claws and walking legs.

“Usually, after trimming, the crabs begin moulting within one week to 16 days. The claws and legs grow back during the moulting process,” he said.

Weathering storms and challenges

Operating in open waters means being at the mercy of nature, and Suhaili said climate-related changes, including prolonged hot weather and El Nino conditions, have had a direct impact on his business.

“Unpredictable weather can reduce the success rate of moulting, leading to losses. Then there are storms and strong waves, which can destroy an entire cage structure in an instant,” he said.

He also faces increasing competition in securing juvenile mud crabs, as demand for soft-shell crabs continues to grow.

“I have to compete with large traders, steamboat restaurant operators and wholesalers who export seafood directly to China.

“However, I am grateful because over the years I have built my own supply network. Around 50 fishermen from nearby areas such as Sungai Munyit, Kuala Gum-Gum and Batu Lapan now supply juvenile crabs to me,” he added.

A source of livelihood for the community

After more than 13 years in the industry, Suhaili’s business has expanded significantly. He now operates more than 50 cages, producing between 500 and 600 kg of soft-shell crabs each month.

“At the peak between 2019 and 2021, I was harvesting up to one tonne a month. However, to ensure smoother operations, I now focus on maintaining a consistent and sustainable production level,” he said.

The crabs are supplied to seafood restaurants across Sabah as well as roadside burger vendors, while some are purchased by middlemen for overseas markets.

“Currently, soft-shell crabs sell for around RM35 per kg,” he said.

Adding to the achievement, Suhaili’s farming site has been recognised as one of Kampung Bambangan’s community-based tourism (CBT) attractions.

Located just a 10-minute boat ride from Kampung Bahagia Jetty in Batu Sapi, the site has become a draw for visitors eager to learn about the farming process. Recently, it welcomed 16 tourists from Europe who were fascinated to witness first-hand how soft-shell crabs are produced.

Reaching beyond borders

Suhaili is quick to acknowledge that his success was not achieved alone. He credits government agencies, particularly the Sabah Fisheries Department, for supporting his venture since it began attracting attention in 2017.

Through the Aquaculture Training Programme (PLAK), he received technical advice, continuous training and material assistance, including timber for cage repairs, boat engines and support from local farmers’ organisations.

Looking ahead, Suhaili plans to modernise his farming operations through available grants and hopes to eventually bring Sandakan’s soft-shell crabs onto the international stage.

“The dream of exporting directly on a large scale is certainly there. But reaching that level requires careful study of operating costs, production capacity, logistics and close cooperation between the community and relevant agencies,” he said.

For Suhaili, however, the business is about far more than financial gain.

He said he has always been guided by four principles: improving his family’s economic well-being, uplifting the local community, contributing to the nation, and ultimately bringing pride to the country.

Today, Suhaili’s soft-shell crab empire in the waters of Kampung Bambangan is gaining recognition far beyond Sabah. Yet its story also serves as a reminder that rural economic transformation can begin with something as simple as an idea discovered online, coupled with the courage to pursue it against all odds. — Bernama