July 4, 2006

Malaysia partners Indian company to export tiger prawns

Malaysia would be working with an Indian company to export tiger prawns to the EU, US and other countries.

The Farmers Organisation Authority (LPP) in Malaysia and a fishing company from India, Suvarna Rekha Marines (I) Private Limited (SRM), signed a memorandum of understanding to carry out the breeding of tiger prawns on Monday (Jul 3).

The general manager of LPP, Datuk Nozir Ahmad Hussain said SRM had the expertise, technology and capability to carry out the project. The company would also be responsible for exporting the products to the international market, Hussain said.

SRM would sign an agreement with the Regional Farmers Association (PPK), a padi farmers group to use the members' land for the breeding grounds, bringing extra income for the farmers involved.

A sample pond would be used initially and the area would be expanded to 10,000 hectares eventually.

CEO of SRM, A.S. De Silva said SRM technology could increase the survivability of the tiger prawn fry while its marketing network would help in exporting the prawns.