DOF: Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur Mega 2025 Strengthens National Food Security

SHAH ALAM, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) continues to strengthen the country's food security agenda by organising the Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur Mega programme as the main platform to introduce local aquaculture products.

Its director-general, Datuk Adnan Hussain, said the aquaculture industry is now one of the important pillars of the country's food supply, in line with the National Agrofood Policy (NAP 2.0), which aims for a contribution of 40 per cent of the country's fisheries needs by 2030.

Throughout this year, Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur Mega has been implemented at two locations each in Selangor, Penang and Terengganu, while one was held in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Pahang, Sarawak and Kelantan.

"This widespread implementation demonstrates the Department of Fisheries' commitment to strengthening the promotion network for local aquaculture products across various consumer segments in urban and rural areas," he told reporters at EON Mall Shah Alam here today.

Adnan said Selangor was chosen as the main venue for the event because the state has the potential to become the country's aquaculture production and marketing hub, based on its excellent track record in previous similar programmes.

He said Selangor recorded an aquaculture production of 21,723 tonnes, equivalent to 4.2 per cent of national production, with major species such as catfish, tilapia, baung (Asian redtail catfish), and freshwater prawns throughout last year.

It is also understood that throughout this year, the Selangor Fisheries Office has conducted three series of "Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur Mega" events, excluding today's highlight, with the participation of 11 aquaculture entrepreneurs and fisheries product vendors.

"The Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur Mega 2025 Selangor edition, which runs until tomorrow, offers local tiger prawns, ikan kaloi (gourami), tilapia, keli (catfish) and rumpai laut (latok) or sea grapes (green caviar) commodities, targeting 15,000 visitors," he said.

Adnan said that his team is committed to developing various new approaches to increase existing aquaculture yields, particularly involving the younger generation, thus contributing to the country's fish production rate.

He said the aquaculture sector produced a total of 511,000 tonnes last year, compared to the country's total fish production of 1.9 million tonnes, and has made a significant contribution to the national economy.

The DOF is committed to guiding entrepreneurs through technology transfer, training, and modern aquaculture practices to improve efficiency and climate resilience.

The true strength of this industry lies not only in production volume, but also in the spirit of innovation and collaboration between the government, entrepreneurs and the community. With science and technology, we are able to turn challenges into opportunities," he said.

Earlier, Adnan, accompanied by Selangor Fisheries Department director Noraisyah Abu Bakar, officiated the Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur Mega 2025 before launching products and presenting aid to aquaculture entrepreneurs.

Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur Mega 2025 is a continuation of the series of fisheries promotions and tours since 2022, with a focus on expanding the market for local aquaculture products to compete with the influx of foreign products and strengthen the industry's competitiveness.

-- BERNAMA