Govt Strengthens Aquaculture Sector To Boost National Food Supply

PONTIAN, April 27 (Bernama) -- The government will continue to intensify efforts to strengthen the country’s food security through various strategic initiatives, including the development of the aquaculture sector, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

Citing Johor as an example, he said the aquaculture sector in the state has shown remarkable potential, with production reaching close to 29,000 tonnes valued at more than RM796 million.

“We want to ensure that support for local operators continues to be strengthened. Not only do we want to guarantee that the country’s food supply remains sufficient, but also that the people’s economy continues to flourish through this sector,” he said in a Facebook post.

Earlier, he visited the AR Aqua Farming aquaculture project in Pekan Nanas to observe the sector’s capacity in supporting the country’s food supply security.

Mohamad said he was impressed with the project, which comprises a hatchery, an arowana pond and a large freshwater pond, adding that the company is also a major supplier of ikan keli and ikan patin to wholesale markets across Johor.

“I take note of the various challenges faced by our (aquaculture) operators, including facility constraints, the threat posed by otters and the impact of floods on arowana broodstock. Technological requirements such as solar systems and water pumps are also critical to ensure more efficient operating costs,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Fisheries Department said in a statement that the National Agro-Food Empowerment Programme (PPAN) 2026, implemented by the government, involves an allocation of RM18.5 million.

The programme comprises 23 strategic projects, with the involvement of state governments through the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN).

It is a continuation of the strategic agenda of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), supported by a total allocation of RM300 million in 2026 and RM1 billion for the 2026-2030 period.

The programme encompasses the development of the aquaculture sub-sector and capture fisheries resources (SPT), focusing on infrastructure modernisation, increased production and sustainable resource management nationwide.

For Johor, RM1.45 million has been allocated to implement several key initiatives, including the Food Fish Aquaculture Industry Productivity Improvement Programme, the Cockle Estate Production Improvement Project and the Fisheries Community Economic Transformation Programme.

--BERNAMA