Johor Bahru: An IoT-powered smart monitoring system developed by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) students is helping small-scale and new fish farmers reduce the risk of aquatic life losses. Created by startup AquaTech Technology Enterprise, founded by UTM students Wan Muhammad Azim Wan Mohamad Zaharuddin and S Sri Prasaad, the system enables real-time monitoring of pond water quality through a mobile app or dedicated screen installed near the fish pond.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, AquaTech chief technology officer Wan Muhammad Azim stated that the system, supported by various government funding initiatives, is already in use at 55 kelah and tilapia ponds, primarily by small-scale farmers in Johor. ‘The system monitors water quality by recording real-time readings of oxygen levels, pH, and temperature. It can also trigger alerts and sound automated alarms in the event of a power outage,’ he explained.
The system was developed under the guidance of UTM Faculty of Electrical Engineering senior lecturers Dr Mohd Adib Sarijari and Dr Nor Aishah Muhammad. Wan Muhammad Azim added that while IoT systems for aquaculture have been introduced in Malaysia, they are not yet widely adopted or commercialised, as many farmers still rely on traditional methods to monitor water quality.
The electrical engineering student shared that the idea to develop this IoT system came from mentors and advisors while working with fish-farming communities. ‘This system helps farmers monitor key indicators and take timely action, like knowing when to add water if pond temperatures rise. It’s especially useful for those who are new to the industry,’ he noted.
AquaTech chief executive officer Sri Prasaad mentioned that the IoT system assists farmers in preventing major losses and is user-friendly, even when they are away from their farms. ‘For example, if the oxygen pump fails for just a few hours, it could wipe out the entire fish stock, resulting in significant losses. This system helps prevent such situations by providing timely alerts,’ he explained.
Sri Prasaad, a part-time Business Administration student, noted that farmers have responded positively to the system’s effectiveness and regularly share feedback to help improve it, allowing issues to be resolved more quickly. He also revealed plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the system, using cameras to monitor fish behavior and the functionality of pumps in the ponds.
He further elaborated on developing a more efficient auto feeder to schedule feeding remotely, as farmers are sometimes away from their ponds but still need to feed their fish at specific times. AquaTech is open to collaborating with any party, including government agencies, to commercialise the system. ‘We’re ready to move to the next phase with this technology. We also hope that this IoT-based social innovation can benefit new fish farmers entering the industry,’ he concluded.