Malaysia can be major player in aquaculture

MALAYSIA - Malaysia has the potential to become a major player in the aquaculture industry in Asia Pacific, surpassing players such as Taiwan, if more companies enter the sector.

At the moment, Taiwan is one of the biggest aquaculture players, commanding a bulk of the live fish market in the region.

Borneo Aqua Harvest Bhd managing director Datuk Lo Fui Ming said, currently, not many companies in Malaysia have sufficient technology and knowhow to breed, hatch and rear, fishes, especially marine species, for the export market.

"The market for marine fishes especially in Asia is huge and companies have the chance to tap into these markets given that they have the expertise and technology to breed marine fishes," he told Business Times in Sandakan, Sabah, recently.

Apart from government support, another advantage is the quality of waters which are full of microbes and the environment, which protects the waters from open threats such as typhoons and big waves.

"Waters around Sandakan, Sabah, for instance are protected by a big bay and surrounded by a number of islands which are suitable for breeding fishes," Lo said, adding that the temperature of the waters also plays an important role in ensuring the survival of fishes and the country's warm water all year round helps a lot.

Source: Business Times