LKIM encourages fishermen associations to enter aquaculture to boost food security and income, with 20 groups now active under the 1P1P initiative.
BUTTERWORTH: 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.
This initiative aims to strengthen national food security and raise the income of fishing communities.
LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the move is critical as marine fish resources decline and coastal development pressures reduce catches.
He said fishermen can no longer depend solely on marine catches for a stable income.
“The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has set a target for 40% of national fish production to come from the aquaculture sector by 2030 due to declining marine resources,” he said.
The government is positioning aquaculture as a core fisheries sector rather than an alternative.
It is also strengthening fishermen’s associations as viable business entities.
Muhammad Faiz spoke after a MADANI engagement session with fishermen in Ujong Batu.
He said 20 fishermen’s associations are now actively involved in aquaculture, up from 13 two years ago.
This growth follows the implementation of the One Association One Business (1P1P) initiative.
He cited prawn farming in Johor and cockle farming in Lawas, Sarawak, as successful projects.
Other successful sites include Melaka Barat and Ujong Batu in Penang.
LKIM is developing programmes in Pantai Merdeka, Kedah and Badung, Pahang.
These involve experienced private firms as anchor players to train fishermen.
The goal is to enable fishermen to operate aquaculture ventures independently within five years.
“Several ponds will be designated to train fishermen in aquaculture farming and business,” Muhammad Faiz said.
Earlier, he presented Touch Point assistance to 31 fishermen in Ujong Batu.
The aid came in the form of nets and containers, and an engine was given to the local PNK.
