Skudai:The initiative by the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) to boost the Mahseer fish farming industry is demonstrating significant economic potential and contributing to a sustainable national freshwater aquaculture ecosystem.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir highlighted that the commercial Mahseer fish farming project, which commenced in 2022 with a RM2.2 million budget, is yielding substantial benefits beyond the entrepreneurship sector. The project, focused on the high-value Mahseer fish, also strengthens academic research through a partnership with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and assists in developing local entrepreneurs.
The initiative includes a strategic collaboration with UTM, fully leveraged by the student community, as shared by Akmal Nasrullah during an event at the UTM Dusun Skudai campus. The event was also attended by TERAJU CEO Junady Nawawi and a board member representing UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Abd Latif Saleh.
The project, which spans five years and involves 15 participants from Johor's B40 economic group, aims to generate monthly returns of up to RM6,000 for entrepreneurs, with current earnings averaging RM4,000. To support cash flow during the maturation period of two to two-and-a-half years, the program introduces a tilapia side-farming model for quicker yields.
The RM2.2 million allocation covers essential infrastructure, high-quality Mahseer fish fingerlings, and developing local hatcheries, reducing reliance on external supplies. Participants are allocated three ponds each, with the project entering the harvest phase for 2026 and 2027, targeting market prices of RM400 to RM600 per kilogram for Mahseer.
Md Rashid Musa, a participant, noted the project's positive impact on modern aquaculture and the economic landscape for the target group. His ponds, housing 1,500 fish, are progressing well commercially, with high demand from markets like Singapore. Ongoing guidance from UTM ensures effective management, despite initial challenges in entering the field.