Its deputy minister, Datuk Wira Mohd Johari Baharum, said it would enable Malaysia to exceed its protein self-sufficiency from fish and increase readiness for export to the global market.
Such development was expected to offer about 40,000 job opportunities to locals, he said.
He was speaking to reporters after the launch of the Terengganu Aquaculture Investment Seminar by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said here today.
Also present was Fisheries Department director-general Datuk Ahamad Sabki Mahmood.
Mohd Johari said the government had formulated a policy and direction for competitive aquaculture with various strategies for implementation through a development programme in the next five years.
He said the government would also create a pro-business environment to encourage participation from the private sector and generate growth in the local aquaculture industry.
The deputy minister noted that to attain the desired results depended on factors which were beyond the ministry's control such as active participation of entrepreneurs and private companies, state government's role, fund sources and incentive packages.
"More importantly, we need to change the mindset of investors to ensure priority for the agro-food sector as one that has potential for big profits," he said, adding the ministry could only provide the necessary basic infrastructure, technical support and delivery system.
Mohd Johari said the nation's aquaculture industry produced 478,245 metric tonnes of fish worth about RM2.4 billion last year.
Production Target Of 727,300 MT By 2015
MALAYSIA - he agriculture and agro-based industry ministry is confident the nation's aquaculture production target of 727,300 metric tonnes worth RM7 billion will be achieved by 2015.
