Malaysia is lagging behind its Asian counterparts in seafood production and exportation, according to Dr. Maximus Ongkili, Malaysia’s minister of science, technology and innovation.
Speaking at the Global Hi-Q grouper farm in Pangkor, Malaysia, last week, Ongkili said climate change, pollution and water quality are partly responsible for Malaysia’s lack of success in seafood production.
He added that Malaysia must undergo a “technological revolution” to become competitive with other seafood-producing powerhouses like China, which accounting for about 50 percent of the world’s farmed seafood exports. He pointed out that Malaysia is not even among Asia’s top 10 seafood-exporting countries.
Ongkili suggested that Malaysia invest in biotechnology research to help push the country to the forefront of Asia’s aquaculture industry.
“It is high time we go for high value marine products such as those produced by Australia and New Zealand, where their fishermen are among the rich people, while our fishermen are among the poorest,” said Ongkili.
Malaysia’s annual seafood exports are valued at about MYR 2.4 million (USD 688,000, EUR 475,000).
