Kuala lumpur: The Department of Fisheries (DOF) has allocated more than RM3.32 million this year through various forms of assistance for fisheries entrepreneurs, aquaculture farmers, and fishing communities in the Southern Zone. Fisheries director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain announced the initiative during the closing ceremony of the Southern Zone myAP and myKP Entrepreneurs Carnival and Pesona Rasa Akuakultur 2026, held in conjunction with Melaka Agrofest 2026 at Dataran Sejarah, Ayer Keroh.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, RM348,170 of the total funds was distributed via the Fisheries Delivery System and Extension Support Services programme to participants of the myAgropreneur Perikanan (myAP) and MyKomuniti Perikanan (myKP) programmes in the region. Additionally, RM2.956 million was allocated under the Aquaculture Delivery System and Support Services programme to 89 aquaculture operators in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor. This funding supports various farming activities, including the cultivation of catfish, tilapia, and prawns.
The DOF has also provided assistance worth RM22,317, including equipment like safety vests, bags, and flashlights, to fisheries network heads appointed as the department's representatives within fishing communities. This initiative aims to help disseminate information, provide advisory services, and support fisheries resource conservation efforts.
Adnan highlighted that the myAP Carnival was organised to foster the development of fisheries entrepreneurs involved in fish processing activities. The carnival encourages the production of value-added products such as keropok lekor, fish crackers, pekasam (fermented fish), smoked fish, fish balls, and fish cakes. It also aims to recognise the contributions of fisheries communities in the Southern Zone in supporting fisheries resource management while implementing small-scale economic projects to enhance community income.
Meanwhile, the Pesona Rasa Akuakultur 2026 programme was organised to raise public awareness of the aquaculture industry's importance, which records an annual production of about 511,000 metric tonnes, contributing significantly to the country's fisheries output. The programme promotes aquaculture species such as tilapia and catfish while providing the public with greater exposure to the industry's potential.
At the same event, three aquaculture farms in Melaka rearing catfish, tilapia, and tiger prawns received the Malaysian Good Aquaculture Practices (myGAP) certification.