Lkim's Aquaculture Initiative Boosts Income For Kijal Fishermen

CHUKAI, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The aquaculture project initiated by the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) is helping about 200 people in the fishing community in Kijal to raise their income.

Kijal Area Fishermen’s Association (PNK) chairman Yusuf Muhammad, 63, said the project was initiated about four years ago on a 2.4-hectare area and receives financial assistance from LKIM under its Fishermen Community Aquaculture Capability Development programme.

Yusuf said the project started with barramundi fish (siakap) farming in two ponds, but it was plagued with high management costs and feed expenses, in addition to disease outbreaks and environmental threats.

"We had about RM100,000 in capital, contributed by LKIM and other parties. Throughout that time, we encountered various challenges, including threats from diseases and the environment, leading to a loss of nearly 10 tonnes of barramundi," he said when met at the Kijal PNK Fish Farm here.

However, he said, these issues did not diminish the determination of its members, who persisted and carried on with the project.

Yusuf is thankful for the continuous support from government agencies, which included advisory services and material assistance, aimed at improving the socio-economic status of the fishing community.

Following the advice from the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), they switched to tilapia fish farming using the biofloc method, which is simpler, eco-friendly, and reduces time and management costs.

"I would like to thank LKIM for consistently offering support through equipment and financial assistance. We have recently adopted the biofloc method this year, and currently, we have four biofloc tanks with about 20,000 fish," he said, projecting a harvest of approximately two tonnes at a market price of RM10 per kilogramme (kg).

Yusuf said Kijal PNK was planning to instal an additional 20 biofloc tanks next year to generate more income for the association and members, who typically earn around RM1,500 to RM2,000 per month.

For the initial phase of the tilapia project, which is expected to be sold next month, although the profits may not be significant, they will be distributed among the 200 members to help them during the monsoon season.

In addition to tilapia farming, Yusuf said the association also manages a fishing pond nearby, open to the public as part of the efforts to generate additional income.

"Managed by the Kumpulan Belia Nelayan Kijal for almost 10 years, we will expand the pond when enough capital is available," he said, adding that Kijal PNK is among the eight PNKs nationwide selected for the LKIM aquaculture initiative.

Seven other PKNs are the National Fishermen's Association (NEKMAT); Melaka Fishermen’s Association (PNN); Satang Biru PNK in Sarawak; Jasin PNK in Melaka; Kuala Besut PNK in Terengganu; Sedili PNK in Johor and Rompin PNK, Pahang.

The initiative also aligns with the government's target to ensure that the local aquaculture industry contributes 60 per cent of the national fish supply by 2030.

-- BERNAMA