KUCHING, Sept 18: The state Agriculture Department is hoping more entrepreneurs will venture into fish farming to tap the growing domestic and international markets.
Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said many countries, including Malaysia, could not merely depend on catches from the sea.
“Catches from the sea are becoming scarce. Large declines have been recorded in Sarawak due to many factors, such as pollution and unpredictable weather,” he said at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly’s 150th anniversary fishing competition today.
Although he could not provide details offhand, Dr Abdul Rahman said some of the affected species were those that dwell close to the seabed, like red snappers, groupers and shrimps.
“Fish is a very healthy and nutritious protein and is popular around the world. The protein source is also rich in nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids that improves our health,” he pointed out.
He opined that since fish farming was a form of aquaculture, it would not only increase production but ensure quality control, too.
It could also help the breeders to hold their own in the international market as well as generate employment opportunities.
“We will strengthen this sector and help Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg achieve his vision of turning Sarawak into a nett exporter of food products by 2020,” Dr Abdul Rahman pledged. — DayakDaily
