Penang: Penang accounted for 77 percent of the country's total aquaculture seabass production in 2025, with an output of 44,596.46 metric tonnes valued at RM562.51 million.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Director-General of Fisheries Datuk Adnan Hussain emphasized that Penang's leadership in seabass production must be backed by rigorous aquaculture practices. This includes adherence to Malaysia Good Aquaculture Practices (MyGAP), responsible antibiotic management, and robust biosecurity measures on farms. 'Compliance with MyGAP, prudent antibiotic management, and biosecurity controls are essential to ensuring that aquaculture products are safe, of high quality, and meet market requirements,' he stated in a Department of Fisheries (DOF) release.
The statement was issued following his keynote address at the MyGAP Engagement Session and Antibiotic Management in the Aquaculture Industry program in Penang. Meanwhile, the DOF reported that the nation's seabass production last year totaled 58,221.38 metric tonnes, valued at RM755.27 million.
According to the DOF, Penang's seabass production saw a 12.36 percent increase year-on-year to 44,596.46 metric tonnes worth RM562.51 million in 2025. The production value also rose by 14.90 percent from RM489.55 million in 2024. In addition to seabass, Penang recorded total aquaculture production of 54,767.3 metric tonnes worth RM1.14 billion in 2024. The DOF data also highlighted 105 pond-based seabass farmers operating in Seberang Perai, with 93 in Seberang Perai Selatan, 11 in Seberang Perai Tengah, and one in Seberang Perai Utara, along with 17 white shrimp and black tiger shrimp farmers.
The department is preparing for a technical field inspection by the Department of Fisheries Thailand (DOFT) concerning Malaysia's aquaculture export requirements to Thailand. Preparations involve all competent authorities (CAs) - the DOF, the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) - to ensure compliance with biosecurity measures, prudent antibiotic management, product traceability systems, and food safety standards.
Antibiotic use in the aquaculture industry is regulated under the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317) and subsidiary legislation, including the Fisheries (Inland Fisheries Aquaculture) Regulations, while the use of veterinary medicines at the production stage is regulated by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) under the Feed Act 2009 (Act 698). "The DOF will continue to monitor and provide guidance to industry players to ensure the country's aquaculture production meets food safety requirements, export market standards, and consumer interests," it added.