Malaysia aims to achieve 40 percent aquaculture production by 2030, and this industry currently accounts for just 30 percent of the nation’s fisheries production, as Malaysians consumed 45kg of fish and fishery products per capita last year.

The fisheries sector plays a crucial factor in Malaysia’s food security, socio economic development, and cultural and environment protection and the debates and discussions are still raging on how to become a self-sufficient nation.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s, Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology has come up with the innovative idea of integrated farming whereby fish are farmed in the same land area as padi, in a bid to boost food security.

The institute stated that such a method is considered a natural-based solution in aquaculture, and focuses on protecting, restoring and sustainably managing Malaysia’s aquatic ecosystems especially padi fields.

Not only will this increase the income of padi planters, but the method promotes efficient use of freshwater and assists in the control of pests since padi plants and fish both share the same water source thus giving aquaculture a shot in the arm.

Other experts agree and contend that Malaysia has the potential to adopt integrated farming on a large scale as the country has vast swathes of padi growing areas not only in Peninsular Malaysia but also Sabah and Sarawak.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE