October 27, 2025

Perak's aquaculture sector recorded a production value of RM910 million (US$215.28 million) in 2024, contributing 14.92% or 76,804 tonnes to the state's total fisheries output.

Perak Fisheries director Mohd Ghazali Abdul Manap said this makes the sector the second largest contributor to the state's fisheries revenue, which also involves 1,342 registered operators.

This activity not only contributes to food security but also opens up employment and economic opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds.

"This sector needs to be further empowered to reduce dependence on seafood imports and increase exports of local products," he said during the closing ceremony of the recently held 2025 Perak Fish Fiesta at Dataran, Victoria.

He said that in aquaculture sector, the response to freshwater fish farming and fish-based downstream products shows great potential for exploration, particularly among rural entrepreneurs and the younger generation.

"Close cooperation among farmers, the fishing community, and the government is crucial to ensure the sustainable and competitive development of the industry," added Mohd Gazali.

Regarding the fiesta, Mohd Gazali said that it also brought together three main programmes, namely the myAgropreneur Fisheiries (myAP) and myKomuniti Fisheries (myKP) Central Zone Entrepreneur Carnival, the taste of Aquaculture Programme and the 2025 Foreign Fish Hunting Grand Prix Finale.

"The goal is organising the two-day programme to promote the state's fisheries products and strengthen Perak's blue economy," he added.

-        Bernama