KUCHING – Sarawak has reaffirmed its position as Malaysia’s largest tilapia producer, ensuring the nation’s domestic fish supply remains stable and secure.
According to Malaysian Fisheries Director-General Dato’ Adnan Hussain, the achievement stems from the success of the Batang Ai fish farming project, which has become a cornerstone of aquaculture in the state.
He noted that Malaysia’s Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR) for fish supply rose to 91.6 per cent this year, compared to 90.7 per cent previously.
“This reflects the country’s strength in meeting local demand, which now averages 48.1 kilograms of fish per person annually,” he said during the handover ceremony of a new Sarawak Marine Fisheries Office patrol boat at the Region 1 Fishing Jetty in Santubong on Thursday.
National fisheries output last year reached 1.9 million metric tonnes, comprising 1.3 million tonnes from capture fisheries and 511,000 tonnes from small-scale aquaculture. These figures highlight the growing importance of aquaculture projects in sustaining Malaysia’s food supply.
Dato’ Adnan also announced the addition of two new fishing boats to strengthen Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) activities under the Fisheries Act 1985.
The move aligns with Malaysia’s obligations under the World Trade Organization’s Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA), signed in February 2024.
“With these new assets, the Fisheries Department can enhance its capacity to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Protecting the rights and livelihoods of local fishermen is vital, especially against incursions by foreign vessels, notably from Vietnam,” he explained.
The two boats, valued at RM4 million in total, are equipped with advanced radar systems to improve patrol efficiency, even during night operations or adverse weather conditions.
Each vessel also features a specialised Shockwave bench designed to reduce the physical impact of waves on enforcement officers, ensuring safer and more effective surveillance missions.
Sarawak’s leadership in tilapia production not only supports Malaysia’s food security but also strengthens the state’s role in national aquaculture development.
The Batang Ai project continues to serve as a model for sustainable fish farming, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
With rising demand for fish across Malaysia, Sarawak’s contribution underscores the importance of regional aquaculture initiatives in meeting national consumption needs while safeguarding the welfare of local fishing communities.
