fisheries sector

by AZALEA AZUAR

MALAYSIA’S fisheries sector recorded a strong performance last year when it grew 7.1% and reached a total production of 1.91 million metric tonnes (MT) compared to 1.79 million in 2023.

The sector contributed RM11.8 billion to GDP in 2024, comprising 0.7% of the total GDP. Its annual growth rate also improved 2.9%.

The growth was attributed to the capture fisheries subsector which rose 9.6% in landings and reached 1.39 million MT in 2024. From the total, 1.18 million MT came from coastal waters while deep-sea fishing contributed 210,000 MT.

The increase was supported by the full deployment of zone C and C2 fishing vessels especially along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the aquaculture sub-sector recorded a modest growth last year with production increasing to 511,000 MT from 506,000 MT in 2023.

Freshwater increased by 5.7% and brackish water farming rose by 2% despite a decline in seaweed production.

Inland fisheries also observed a small increase with output rising to 9,652 MT from 9,434 MT in 2023.

On the other hand, the overall value of Malaysia’s fisheries sector in 2024 climbed 2.5% to RM16.9 billion from RM16.5 billion despite a drop in ornamental fish (209 million) and aquatic plant production (21 million).

Malaysia also remained active in the global fish trade last year where it exported RM4.02 billion worth of seafood mainly to China, Vietnam and Thailand. Meanwhile, imports totalled RM6.35 billion.

The fisheries sector employed around 106,000 fishermen and 16,873 aquaculture operators. However, the number of fishing vessels fell to 43,000 with Sabah seeing the biggest decline.

Department of Fisheries Malaysia DG Datuk Adnan Hussain noted that the country’s fisheries sector remained strong and stable last year which ensured national food security, supporting coastal economies and improving livelihoods.

Hence, the department is carrying out the National Agro-food Policy 2021-2030 (DAN 2.0) plan which focuses on strengthening food and nutrition security.

“The department is also strengthening strategic collaboration with higher learning institutions, the private sector, and target groups to ensure the sustainable continuity of the country’s fishery resources for future generations.

“It remains committed to driving sectoral growth through an integrated approach involving industry modernisation, community empowerment for fishermen and farmers, marine resource conservation and enhanced competitiveness of the local fisheries value chain,” he said in a statement.

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