June 5, 2025

Johor state in Malaysia sets higher aquaculture output target

The state of Johor in Malaysia aims to boost its aquaculture production to 38,000 metric tonnes over the next two years as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen food security and expand its agri-food sector.

State agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said efforts are underway to strengthen the sector by encouraging participation from government-linked companies (GLCs) and private entities.

"One of the latest efforts comes from Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ), which is spearheading a pilot white shrimp farming project in Gelang Patah," he said.

Describing the move as timely and strategic, Zahari said the KPRJ project aligns with the state's priorities to ensure long-term food resilience while creating new economic opportunities.

"Johor's aquaculture production in 2024 is 32,000 metric tonnes, and the state government is targeting an increase to 38,000 metric tonnes by 2027," he said, adding that high-tech, high-yield farming systems, especially those involving GLCs, are crucial to reaching the target.

Zahari added that the pilot project will be developed in the Aquaculture Industrial Zone (ZIA) and will involve the construction of two high-density polyethylene ponds.

These ponds, he said, will lay the foundation for commercial-scale white shrimp farming using modern aquaculture techniques to boost yield and reduce environmental impact.

- The Star