LKIM Urges Fishermen Associations To Venture Into Aquaculture

BUTTERWORTH, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) is encouraging Area Fishermen’s Associations (PNK) and State Fishermen’s Associations (PNN) to actively participate in aquaculture as part of efforts to strengthen national food security and raise the income of fishing communities.

LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the initiative is critical as marine fish resources continue to decline and coastal development pressures reduce catches, particularly affecting coastal fishermen who are mostly from the B40 income group.

He said fishermen can no longer depend solely on marine catches for stable income and must diversify into more sustainable and consistent business ventures.

“The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has set a target for 40 per cent of national fish production to come from the aquaculture sector by 2030 due to declining marine resources,” he said, adding that the government is positioning aquaculture as a core fisheries sector rather than an alternative, while strengthening fishermen’s associations as viable business entities.

Speaking to reporters after the MADANI engagement session with fishermen in Ujong Batu here today, which was also attended by Penang LKIM director Noor Azlida Mohad Khazin, Muhammad Faiz said 20 fishermen’s associations are now actively involved in aquaculture, up from 13 two years ago, following the implementation of the One Association One Business (1P1P) initiative.

He cited prawn farming projects in Johor and cockle farming projects in Lawas, Sarawak, as well as Melaka Barat and Ujong Batu here as among successful initiatives in providing stable returns to fishermen.

He added that LKIM is developing programmes in Pantai Merdeka, Kedah and Badung, Pahang, involving experienced private firms as anchor players to train fishermen in aquaculture and business management, aimed at enabling them to operate aquaculture ventures independently within five years.

“Several ponds will be designated to train fishermen in aquaculture farming and business, enabling them to operate aquaculture ventures within five years,” he said.

Earlier, Muhammad Faiz presented Touch Point assistance in the form of nets and containers to 31 fishermen in Ujong Batu, as well as an engine to the local PNK.

-- BERNAMA