July 26, 2023

Freshwater fish farming course highlights aquaculture possibilities in Sarawak state, Malaysia

A recent two-day course on freshwater fish farming, conducted by Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB) in Sarawak state, Malaysia, attracted not only local participants but also individuals from various parts of Sarawak, including Kuching, Sarikei, and Miri, The Borneo Post reported.

The course, organised and led by Pusat Pertanian Putra (PPP), brought together 24 participants to explore the vast potential and promising prospects of the aquaculture industry in Sarawak.

Dr Carlina Freddie Simol @ Rachellynna, the senior agriculture officer at PPP and head of the course, highlighted that the programme offered both theoretical and practical sessions, imparting basic and advanced knowledge about freshwater fish farming.

Participants gained insights into raising species like tilapia, catfish, river carp, silver catfish, and redtail catfish.

Associate Prof Dr Amy Halimah Rajaee, the deputy director of PPP, said that the course aligned with the 'University for Society' (U4S) initiative, adding that programme would enhance participants' knowledge and skills, contributing to agricultural development and addressing food security concerns in Malaysia.

Echoing this sentiment, Prof Dr Shahrul Razid Sarbini, the director of UPM Bintulu, underlined that the course's design aimed to ensure the transfer of agricultural technology to the community on the ground.

He asserted the university's support for PPP's efforts, leveraging the expertise of academic and non-academic staff to their fullest potential in empowering local communities and advancing agriculture in the region.

-      The Borneo Post