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The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) is urging Area Fishermen's Associations (PNK) and State Fishermen's Associations (PNN) to actively engage in aquaculture to enhance national food security and improve the incomes of fishing communities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil emphasized the importance of this initiative as marine fish resources continue to dwindle, coupled with coastal development pressures that have led to reduced catches. This situation particularly impacts coastal fishermen, many of whom belong to the B40 income group.

Muhammad Faiz stressed that relying solely on marine catches is no longer viable for a stable income, and fishermen must diversify into more sustainable and consistent business ventures. He highlighted that the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry aims for 40 percent of national fish production to originate from the aquaculture sector by 2030, given the de clining marine resources. The government is thus positioning aquaculture as a core sector within the fisheries industry, while also fortifying fishermen's associations as viable business entities.

During a MADANI engagement session with fishermen in Ujong Batu, which was attended by Penang LKIM director Noor Azlida Mohad Khazin, Muhammad Faiz noted that 20 fishermen's associations are now engaged in aquaculture, a significant increase from 13 two years ago, thanks to the One Association One Business (1P1P) initiative.

He cited the success of prawn farming projects in Johor and cockle farming projects in Lawas, Sarawak, as well as in Melaka Barat and Ujong Batu, as examples of initiatives providing stable returns to fishermen. Furthermore, LKIM is developing programs in Pantai Merdeka, Kedah, and Badung, Pahang, involving experienced private firms as anchor players to train fishermen in aquaculture and business management. These programs aim to enable fishermen to independen tly manage aquaculture ventures within five years.

Muhammad Faiz also mentioned that several ponds will be allocated to train fishermen in aquaculture farming and business operations, facilitating their transition to independent aquaculture ventures over the next five years.

Earlier, he presented Touch Point assistance, including nets and containers, to 31 fishermen in Ujong Batu, along with an engine to the local PNK.