Inland Fisheries Generate Over RM200 Million In Revenue Annually

JERANTUT: The inland fisheries sector continues to make a significant contribution to the national economy, recording landings of 9,912.19 metric tonnes worth over RM200 million throughout last year.

Fisheries Director-General, Datuk Adnan Hussain said of that total, rivers were the main contributor with landings of 8,276.73 metric tonnes worth RM185 million, followed by lakes (608.74 metric tonnes, RM7.8 million) and dams (571.30 metric tonnes, RM5.5 million).

“Ex-mining pools recorded landings of 453.49 metric tonnes worth RM2.1 million, while other water sources recorded 1.93 metric tonnes valued at RM23.8 million,” he said when met after the Native Fish Release Programme at the Kuala Sat Native Fish Sanctuary here today.

At the programme, a total of 32,000 native fish fingerlings consisting of kelah and lampam sungai were released into their natural habitat.

Meanwhile, Adnan said in the six-month period up to June, the Department of Fisheries Malaysia carried out the release of 2.7 million native fish fingerlings nationwide, including 941,510 in Pahang.

In the meantime, he said inland fisheries conservation efforts not only focus on protecting native fish species, but also ensure that the resource benefits the community through the development of ecotourism, increased productivity and strengthening of community economies.

“The release of kelah and lampam sungai fingerlings is the Department of Fisheries’ commitment to restoring native fish populations and preserving the nation’s biodiversity treasures.

“I urge the public not to release foreign fish species into rivers, lakes or any public waters, as such actions can threaten native fish species and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem,” he said.

Utusan Malaysia