Kuala perlis: The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) is emphasising aquaculture development as a long-term strategy to ensure the country's fish supply, while also creating new income opportunities for fishing communities, including youth. Its director, Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said that by 2030, the aquaculture sector is targeted to be among the main contributors to the country's fish production, so fishermen need to be prepared to shift from solely traditional fishing methods to a more modern and skilled approach.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad Faiz expressed the importance of not allowing fishermen to miss out on opportunities in the aquaculture field, as it is one of the country's main focuses for the future. He highlighted the necessity for specific skills in aquaculture and the intention to produce modern fishermen, including young fishermen trained in this field.

Muhammad Faiz conveyed these points to reporters during the LKIM Chairman's Rahmah Mesra MADANI Programme with Perlis fishermen at the Kuala Perlis LKIM Fisheries Complex. He emphasized that LKIM's current main focuses include strengthening infrastructure facilities, increasing aquaculture production capacity, and providing appropriate training to ensure fishermen can diversify their income sources and reduce reliance on government assistance.

The effort is supported through the MyAquaBest programme, which concentrates on marketing aquaculture products to expand market access for fishermen's associations. The number of Area Fishermen's Associations (PNK) directly involved in aquaculture has increased from 13 to 20, aiming to combine supplies from aquaculture and marine catches to fortify the country's fish marketing system.

Muhammad Faiz stressed the importance of strengthening the supply chain to ensure fish supply stability, especially during festive seasons or periods prone to price fluctuations. He noted the need to address fish price issues holistically, considering logistics, transportation, and storage aspects, and emphasized the importance of a collective approach across the supply chain for price solutions.

Additionally, he mentioned the development of downstream industries based on fisheries' products, such as frozen goods and fish-based foods, to add value to local fishermen's catch. At the programme, assistance was provided to fishermen under the Income Enhancement Programme - LKIM Fishing Gear Incentive/Assistance (Touch Point), including a 30-horsepower outboard engine to a recipient. Additionally, fishing net assistance, equipment, insulated fish tubs, and food basket assistance were provided to several recipients under the Kuala Perlis PNK.