Fishing for a slice of lucrative global mart

MALAYSIA - For a country almost surrounded by sea, it is surprising that Malaysia has not yet gone full scale into aquaculture.

The global market for this sector runs into trillions of dollars.

The problem, according to the few players in the industry, is that there are not many with the technological know-how.

Malaysia has the competitive edge to become a major player in the global market, especially for live marine fishes, given its year-round warm waters which help ensure the survival of fishes.

The country's natural landscape and environment also ensure a relatively calm sea, without the threats of typhoons and big waves.

"The waters around Sandakan, Sabah, for instance, are protected by a big bay and surrounded by a number of islands which are suitable for breeding marine fishes," Borneo Aqua Harvest Bhd managing director Datuk Lo Fui Ming said.

Source: Business Times