In light of the recent pandemic that has enveloped nations worldwide in a crisis, the issue of food security has given rise to an industry that has been around for centuries and is now back to being a sunrise industry.
The aquaculture industry, a growing but thriving segment of the agriculture industry faced a severe impact during the early months of the pandemic. But with growing assistance and research, aquaculture farmers are slowly coming back on track amidst the rising demand for marine products.
The Malaysian Government has always played an active role in encouraging Malaysian fishermen to venture into aquaculture due to the significant drop in captured aquatic cultures amid the increasing demand for marine products.
Data shows that the country’s main marine commodity includes fresh and processed fish (freshwater fish 102,596.84 metric tonnes worth RM728 million), marine fish/prawn 121,460.24 metric tonnes worth RM2.268 million), seaweed products (202,965.58 metric tonnes worth RM44.7 million), and ornamental fish (281 million pieces worth RM283 million).
The demand is further reflected as Malaysia’s marine shrimp aquaculture accounted for 24.8 percent of Malaysia’s aquaculture production volume and 41.3 percent of its production value in 2019.
The local marine shrimp production aquaculture market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 11.9 percent, from RM1.13 billion in 2020 to RM1.99 billion in 2025.
Among the states, Penang captured more than half of the country’s overall total, producing over 40,000 metric tonnes of fishery products worth RM1.67 billion in 2018.
The increasing demand has further highlighted the increasing importance to ensure the availability of sufficient food supply at affordable prices as well. Putrajaya has also pointed out that aquaculture can become an important generator of economic and social progress for the rural poor.
In terms of research in the industry, the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) for example has spearheaded groundbreaking research initiatives that include the formulation of feed for fish and crustaceans from sustainable sources, design of farming modules for commercial species of fish and crustaceans and development of aquaculture models that have been adopted by small and medium enterprises and used for urban food systems in response to the food security in the country and the region.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry also recognises the importance of providing the right aid to ensure the growth of the industry and for progress to constantly take place.
As of recent, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Haji Ahmad bin Hamzah, First Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries has handed over special ‘sampan’ or boat licenses to 49 fishermen from Jasin District and 4 others from Melaka Tengah District (Pernu).
“They are full-time fishermen who meet the criteria for applying for a special sampan license. The Malaysian Fisheries Department (DOF) hopes that with this valid license, it can help them go out to sea to catch fish and increase their income,” he says.
In addition to the ocean fishermen, the Department is also providing assistance to aquaculture industry farmers who also contribute in meeting domestic demand. A total of six breeders and fishermen from Jasin District, while another 18 from Central Melaka District have received assistance from the Aquaculture Delivery System and Support Services (SPeKS).
Additionally, a total of 46 farmers and fishermen have received this beneficial assistance with a total allocation of RM1,237,101.00.
“The objective of this SPeKS assistance is to ensure that the Key Performance Index data on national edible fish production is achieved, especially for the state of Melaka which targets 4,000 metric tons for 2021. In addition, this assistance can also indirectly help Melaka aquaculture farmers to continue to be competitive in the field of aquaculture,” Datuk Seri Haji Ahmad Hamzah highlights.
Furthermore, The Department of Fisheries Malaysia is also implementing the Food Security Fund (DJM) Program for the purpose of creating employment opportunities. The programme aims to encourage the production of quality and safe organic agriculture products to meet the needs of the daily food supply.
A total of RM 334,500.00 has been allotted for Malacca under the DJM for myKomunity Perikanan (myKP) initiative this year. As a result, a total of 109 recipients consisting of the fishing community are eligible to receive this assistance.
The aid was handed over to myKP Merlimau for the Dried Fish Processing Project with a total allocation of RM44,5000.00. The aid comprised fish dryer house, freezer, plastic packaging, insulation barrels, sealers, product sticker labels and work desks.
