Selangor: Aquaculture farmers nationwide have been advised to stay alert to weather updates issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) as a precautionary measure ahead of the upcoming flood season. Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain emphasized the importance of preparedness, particularly for industry players on the east coast.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Adnan Hussain urged aquaculture farmers, especially those involved in fish cage farming in rivers or flood-prone ponds, to plan their operations carefully and monitor weather conditions closely. He stressed the necessity of selling market-ready fish promptly to prevent them from being swept away during floods, which could also damage fish cages.

Speaking at the Selangor edition of the Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur Mega 2025 event, Adnan advised farmers to postpone restocking during the monsoon season, typically between November and March, and to resume once the weather has stabilized. The event is part of a fisheries promotion and outreach series that began in 2022, with Selangor Fisheries Department director Noraisyah Abu Bakar in attendance.

The two-day event aims to bolster the market for local aquaculture products, enabling them to compete with imports and strengthening the industry’s competitiveness. Meanwhile, Adnan expressed support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement of RM178 million in subsidies and incentives for fishermen under Budget 2026, including RM20 million allocated for vessel upgrades for Zone B fishermen.

He highlighted that catch incentives, totaling RM160 million, are based on actual landings, providing monetary rewards to encourage fishing activities. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capacity of fishermen and promote sustainable fishing practices.