Perak Eyes Aggressive Expansion Of Mussel Farming Industry

By Fadzlina Abu Bakar Sidek

BUKIT GANTANG, May 31 (Bernama) -- Perak is taking steps to expand mussel (kupang) farming on a larger scale and is targeting aggressive growth of the aquaculture industry over the next few years. 

Perak Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) director Ahmad Zulkifli Ismail said the target is on the right track with an application for a new area of about 72 hectares in Manjung Selatan submitted to the state government for the project’s expansion. 

“Through the state government’s initiative in collaboration with LKIM and the fishing community under the Perak Blue Economy Roadmap, part of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 development plan, mussel farming is seen to have strong potential and commercial value following the rising consumer demand for fresh seafood,” he said. 

He was speaking to Bernama while visiting the Sungai Tinggi Fishermen’s Association mussel farming project here recently. 

Ahmad Zulkifli said the farming of mussels, scientifically known as Perna viridis, began in Perak in 2015 with an initial allocation of about RM150,000 for its development. It has since received various allocations and assistance from the state government.

At the time, the initiative was implemented as part of efforts to expand the aquaculture sector and provide an additional source of income for the fishing community. 

“From a small project, mussel farming has produced more than 100 metric tonnes of harvest over the past 10 years from two sites, namely Sungai Tinggi and Manjung Selatan. 

“Currently, demand for fresh mussels continues to increase, and we are only able to produce about 500 kilogrammes per season, which is insufficient to meet customer demand. That is why this project is among LKIM’s priorities for expansion,” he said. 

He said mussel seeds are sourced from Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, which have a longer history in the industry, but production in Perak has its own unique characteristics. 

Mussels produced in Perak are considered distinctive as they are said to have sweeter flesh, even though they are farmed in waters with higher salinity. This uniqueness has become an identity that differentiates mussels from Perak from those of other states.

According to Ahmad Zulkifli, the unique taste is influenced by habitat, environmental conditions and water quality, as salinity levels, weather changes and natural water conditions are key factors in determining growth and flesh quality. 

Meanwhile, Sungai Tinggi Fishermen’s Association chairman Abu Salim Karim said about 50 participants are involved in the mussel farming project in Sungai Tinggi and Manjung Selatan, covering an area of 2.4 hectares. 

He said each cage contains about 500 mussel lines, and there are currently 10 cages in Sungai Tinggi. Mussels take between six and nine months to mature, with returns reaching up to three times the initial investment. 

“We buy seeds at RM45 per line and can sell them for more than RM100 if they are well-maintained. If a farmer invests RM4,000 in seeds, they can earn returns of up to RM12,000,” he said. 

He added that the main challenges faced by farmers are unpredictable weather and barnacle infestations, which require removal at least once every two weeks to ensure optimal growth. 

For mussel farmer Ahmad Faney Mohamad Hashim, 49, the project initially started as a side activity to supplement his income as a fisherman. 

Having been involved in mussel farming since 2016, he said it is much easier to manage compared to fish farming, which requires closer monitoring and is exposed to various risks of diseases. 

“When rearing fish, sometimes there are disease issues, but mussels do not pose many problems. Up to 90 per cent can survive, and they are relatively easy to farm,” he said. 

He explained that mussels obtain their food naturally from plankton and fine organic matter carried by water currents, reducing the need for additional feed costs. 

However, despite the relatively low maintenance, farmers need to be patient as returns take time. 

Ahmad Faney said one mussel line can yield an average of between 20 and 25 kilogrammes per harvest cycle, depending on environmental conditions and farming duration. 

“The yield depends on care and weather conditions, but if successful, it can help boost income,” he said, adding that he can earn about RM1,000 per harvest. 

-- BERNAMA