DOF MANDATES LICENSING FOR ALL LAND-BASED AQUACULTURE OPERATORS IN N. SEMBILAN
Abstract
The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) is stepping up governance of the nation's aquaculture sector by making registration and licensing mandatory for all land-based aquaculture operators in Negeri Sembilan.
Description
SEREMBAN, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) is stepping up governance of the nation's aquaculture sector by making registration and licensing mandatory for all land-based aquaculture operators in Negeri Sembilan.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the measure is designed to promote sustainable, competitive growth while ensuring compliance with biosecurity standards, ultimately supporting the country's food security goals.
"The Fisheries (Land-Based Aquaculture) (Negeri Sembilan) Rules 2023 represent a strategic move to enhance the regulatory framework for the aquaculture industry.
“These rules ensure that land-based fish farming activities are carried out in an orderly, safe and lawful manner.
"All individuals, companies or organisations engaged in such activities, whether using earthen or cement ponds, tanks, cages or other systems, are now required to obtain a licence from the DOF before starting operations," he said in a statement, after a working visit and engagement session with 60 aquaculture farmers, inland fishermen and agro-based industry players in Rembau today.
He said the licensing rules are about more than just compliance; they enhance biosecurity, prevent fish diseases, protect water sources, and control invasive species that threaten biodiversity.
Mohamad said Negeri Sembilan has 440 active aquaculture operators, with Port Dickson topping the list at 106, followed by Tampin (70), Jempol (60), Kuala Pilah (56), Rembau (47), Seremban (35) and Jelebu (24).
The state DOF has issued 12 licences so far and aims to issue 60 by year-end through engagement and advisory programmes.
He said this year, the DOF has disbursed RM1.024 million under the Aquaculture Extension and Advisory Scheme to 30 farmers, helping them improve productivity, technical know-how and farm management.
"Another 10 farmers received RM500,000 under the National Agrifood Empowerment Programme to boost production capacity and industry competitiveness," he added.
On the economic front, Mohamad noted that the state's fisheries sector grew 6.4 per cent, with GDP rising to RM19 million last year from RM17.6 million in 2024.
The sector now accounts for 0.03 per cent of the state's GDP and 0.2 per cent of the national fisheries GDP, highlighting its growing importance to both the economy and food security.
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