UMT ESTABLISHES PARTNERSHIP FOR HIGH-TECH TILAPIA FISH FARMING

KUALA NERUS, July 15 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has established a partnership with the Terengganu Fishermen's Association (Penentu) and Sabasun Hyperuncit Sdn Bhd (Sabasun) for high-tech tilapia fish farming using its Rapid Biofloc technology.

UMT acting vice-chancellor, Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, stated that UMT will provide guidance for the tilapia breeding projects via its subsidiary UMT Jaya Holding Sdn Bhd (UMTJ).

He said the initial phase involves eight participants from the Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) in Hulu Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, and Besut.

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"The Rapid Biofloc technology was developed and innovated by UMT lecturer and researcher, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Nor Azman Kasan. Its effectiveness has received various national and international recognitions and awards.

"Therefore, UMT aims to share this technology with the community to help generate better income," he said after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UMTJ, Sabasun Hyperuncit, and Penentu at UMT's Chancellery today.

Mohd Zamri explained the fish will be sold to Penentu and Sabasun, who will act as marketing agents, and if the projects are successful the annual yield could reach up to eight tons per participant.  

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"UMT's Rapid Biofloc technology allows biofloc formation in as little as 10 days, compared to 30 days using conventional methods.

"Other advantages include increased fish density, lower feed costs, and the elimination of fishy or muddy smell. Furthermore, the water does not need to be changed throughout the five to six-month growth cycle," he said.

He added that the venture will commence early next month, with an estimated cost of between RM80,000 and RM100,000 per project.

-- BERNAMA