June 8, 2023

El Nino phenomenon causes significant losses in Malaysia's aquaculture sector

Datuk Adnan Hussain, director-general of Malaysia's Fisheries Department, said that the country's aquaculture sector has experienced substantial losses amounting to MYR 438,500 (~US$95,000; MYR 1 = US$0.22) due to the impact of the El Nino phenomenon, Malay Mail reported.

The losses have affected 21 breeders across the country, with Pahang state recording the highest losses at MYR 217,000 (~US$47,000), followed by Terengganu at MYR 108,500 (~US$23,000), Johor at MYR 50,000 (~US$10,800), Selangor at MYR 39,000 (~US$8,400), and Kelantan at MYR 24,000 (~US$5,200).

Malaysia Fisheries Department has advised breeders, particularly those in high-risk areas, to assess the current conditions before initiating new breeding cycles. If necessary, breeders may need to wait until the weather stabilises.

Adnan stressed the importance of reducing the rate of fry spreading during extremely hot weather, as the high temperatures can negatively impact water temperature and increase the risk of fry mortality and disease outbreaks.

Adnan said that the department is collecting information on the affected breeders, which will be escalated to a higher level for further action. The department is considering providing fry assistance to affected breeders once the weather conditions stabilise.

Adnan also highlighted the department's active monitoring of sea fish landing, expressing concerns about potential supply disruptions due to the current weather conditions. There have been no reports of supply issues from fishermen so far, and fish exports remain stable.

-      Malay Mail