Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and Vietnam are exploring collaboration in the fisheries sector to enhance the skills of local fishing skippers and inspire young Malaysians to consider careers in this field, the National Fishermen's Association (NEKMAT) announced.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, NEKMAT's general manager, Azrin Shah Ismail, revealed that discussions are underway with the Department of Fisheries and the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) to establish this cooperation, with NEKMAT playing a significant role as an industry stakeholder. The collaboration aims to leverage Vietnam's advanced deep-sea fishing expertise and technology, while simultaneously developing Malaysia's downstream processing industry for fisheries products.

Azrin Shah highlighted the potential benefits of landing and processing catches within Malaysia, noting that it could generate land-based jobs and facilitate the training and skills transfer necessary to produce highly skilled local fishing skippers. He emphasized the urgent need to address the shortage of local skippers and promote fishing as a viable professional career.

He further suggested that the government consider implementing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs or internationally recognized certifications, which would enable Malaysians to gain valuable experience aboard tuna vessels in countries like Japan and South Korea. This, he believes, could help expand youth participation in the industry beyond traditional fishing activities to include roles in marketing and logistics of frozen products.

NEKMAT is currently selling its products through the online platform Shopee and offers free delivery from its branches in Taman Wahyu and Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. The association is also actively seeking agents and logistics partners and is contemplating providing freezers to retailers who achieve a minimum sales target.