GEORGE TOWN: By 2030, the country would have to produce 2.55 million tonnes of fish per year to meet the growing demand, said Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.

The Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister said last year, the fisheries sector produced about 1.79 million metric tonnes of fish, which contributed 0.7% to the National Gross Domestic Product with a trade value of US$3.51bil (RM16.4bil).

He said the government also aimed to increase the self-sufficiency ratio to 97% by 2030 from the current 90%.

“The fisheries sector is an important part of Malaysia’s food security, socio-economic development, economic and trade opportunities as well as cultural and environmental protection efforts.

“It is extremely crucial to transform and modernise this sector and provide our farmers and fishermen with the required technology and technical capacity to move forward.

“The advancement of technology and innovation is needed to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of our aquaculture production.

“We need to increase our conservation efforts as well, and at the same time, improve fisheries-related laws, and that includes the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317).

“This is to ensure our fisheries production is sustainable and can be increased to the target set in 2030,” he told a press conference after launching the 21st International Institute of Fisheries, Economics and Trade Conference held at St Giles Wembley Hotel here yesterday.

Kurup said to help balance the country’s fisheries needs, the government also planned to increase aquaculture production from 30% to 40% by 2030.

He said the aquaculture production now stood at 30% of the total fishery production, adding that Malaysia has recorded the fish and fisheries products consumption at 45kg per capita last year, which was considered high compared to other countries.

He added that the sector supported 148,000 fishermen and aquaculture farmers.

“Realising the importance of this sector, efforts to sustainably manage and develop the fisheries sector is my ministry’s priority.

“This is to ensure long-term prosperity and well-being as well as doing our part as a global community.

“To ensure that the target can be achieved, we will take several important steps, including using appropriate equipment, applying the use of efficient innovation and technology to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of our fishing industry,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/17/fisheries-sector-needs-to-scale-up-to-meet-production-target