Kuala Lumpur: The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) is planning to develop artificial reef complexes in the East Coast states in response to encroachments and the depletion of fish resources. Its director-general, Datuk Adnan Hussain, said the initiative, which covers Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu, is part of the department’s strategy to increase the country’s fisheries output over the next five years.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Adnan mentioned that previously, reefs were scattered across various locations, but with this new approach, the focus will be on concentrating them in a single location, with plans for expansion. This strategy aims to provide a more significant impact. The goal is to establish the artificial reef complexes within the next five years, and Sarawak will not be neglected in this initiative.
Adnan further stated that the budget for developing the reef complexes is among the proposals to be submitted to the Ministry of Economy next week in preparation for the 13th Malaysia Plan. The department often receives requests from state governments, particularly regarding the construction of artificial reefs in local waters. Adnan emphasized the hope to secure a substantial allocation to distribute this budget fairly to each state. Due to a limited budget, not all states’ requests can be met.
He noted that a total of 202,004 artificial reef units have been deployed in Sarawak’s waters since 1984. Earlier in his speech, Adnan highlighted that Sarawak is one of the largest contributors to the country’s aquaculture production, contributing approximately 11,000 metric tons of the national total of 510,000 metric tons last year.
He also encouraged more Malaysians to venture into aquaculture farming and become fisheries entrepreneurs through programmes offered by DOF. As of 2024, a total of RM6.66 million has been allocated to aquaculture farmers in Sarawak through the Skim Penyampaian dan Khidmat Sokongan (SpeKS), while RM958,000 has been distributed to 10 participants as part of the community development programme for this year.