Badong: The National Fishermen's Association (NEKMAT) has expanded its aquaculture project in Badong here, to include white shrimp farming this year, in a move to further strengthen the country's aquaculture industry. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu stated that the initiative, in collaboration with the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) with an investment of RM3 million, will also create job opportunities for the local community.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Sabu expressed hope that local residents will be prioritized for employment opportunities, allowing them to gain skills and exposure in aquaculture. He mentioned that the project is expected to deliver returns on investment within five years, potentially achieving this goal even sooner. During a working visit to the first harvest of NEKMAT's shrimp farming project, Mohamad emphasized the need to strengthen aquaculture and inland farming, especially as some coastal areas have been converted for other developments.

Mohamad Sabu highlighted that Malaysia's fish self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) has exceeded 90 percent, largely supported by aquaculture. However, he noted the necessity of further expansion due to declining fish catches along the west coast, attributed to land reclamation and other development projects. He stated that aquaculture will be prioritized in areas where fishermen face difficulties going to sea, such as Perlis, Penang, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan. The intention is to encourage fishermen to participate in aquaculture programs while continuing traditional fishing practices.

Meanwhile, NEKMAT general manager Azrin Shah Ismail shared that the Badong project, which previously focused on grouper farming, was expanded in May to include white shrimp farming in four ponds. The initiative has already yielded 18 tonnes of white shrimp, sold to wholesalers and local residents at prices ranging from RM12 to RM28 per kilogramme. Azrin further revealed that NEKMAT plans to increase production by adding 10 more ponds, aiming for an output of 120,000 kilogrammes a year, with an estimated sales value of about RM3 million.

A direct-from-farm sale was also conducted during the program, offering grouper and white shrimp at RM15 per kilogramme.