October 16, 2025

 

Malaysian aquaculture farmers urged to prepare for floods, sell stock early 

 

 

Aquaculture farmers in Malaysia have been urged to closely monitor weather updates from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) as a precaution ahead of the approaching flood season.

 

The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said all parties must remain prepared to face any eventualities, particularly industry players on the east coast.

 

He advised aquaculture farmers, especially those involved in fish cage farming in rivers or flood-prone ponds, to plan their operations carefully and monitor weather conditions closely.

 

"This is crucial to prevent or minimise losses. Fish that have reached market size should be sold immediately and not kept for too long, as they may be swept away along with cages that break or become unmoored during floods," he said.

 

Speaking after officiating the recently-held Selangor edition of the Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur Mega 2025, Adnan also urged aquaculture farmers to postpone restocking throughout the monsoon season, which usually occurs between November and March, and to resume once weather conditions have stabilised.

 

The Selangor edition of the Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur Mega 2025, which was held from October 11-12, is part of an ongoing fisheries promotion and outreach series that began in 2022. Also present was Selangor Fisheries Department director Noraisyah Abu Bakar.

 

The two-day event aims to expand the market for local aquaculture products to compete with imported goods and strengthen the industry's competitiveness.

 

Meanwhile, Adnan welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of subsidies and incentives amounting to RM178 million (US$42.13 million) for fishermen, including fuel subsidies, under Budget 2026.

 

He said the allocation of RM20 million (US$4.73 million) for Zone B fishermen to upgrade their vessels is expected to have a positive impact on the group. It would enable them to operate in larger zones or replace existing equipment with more resource-friendly tools.

 

"With catch incentives amounting to RM160 million (US$37.84 million), the scheme is based on actual landings. Fishermen will bring in their catches and the government will provide monetary incentives to further encourage fishing activities," he said.

 

"With catch incentives amounting to RM160 million based on actual landings, the government will provide monetary rewards to further encourage fishing activities," he added.

 

— Bernama