Johor sets higher aquaculture output target

The Star

4 days ago

JOHOR BARU: Johor is targeting an increase in aquaculture production to 38,000 metric tonnes within the next two years as part of a long-term strategy to enhance food security and grow the state's agri-food sector.
State agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said efforts are underway to strengthen the sector by encouraging participation from government-linked companies (GLCs) and private entities.
'One of the latest efforts comes from Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ), which is spearheading a pilot white shrimp farming project in Gelang Patah,' he said yesterday.
Describing the move as timely and strategic, Zahari said the KPRJ project aligns with the state's priorities to ensure long-term food resilience while creating new economic opportunities.
'Johor's aquaculture production in 2024 is 32,000 metric tonnes, and the state government is targeting an increase to 38,000 metric tonnes by 2027,' he said, adding that high-tech, high-yield farming systems, especially those involving GLCs, are crucial to reaching the target.
Zahari added that the pilot project will be developed in the Aquaculture Industrial Zone (ZIA) and will involve the construction of two high-density polyethylene ponds.
These ponds, he said, will lay the foundation for commercial-scale white shrimp farming using modern aquaculture techniques to boost yield and reduce environmental impact.
The ZIA already houses 12 operational shrimp ponds developed by the Johor Farmers' Organisation and the Johor Baru Southern Area Farmers' Organisation, positioning Gelang Patah as one of the state's most important hubs for aquaculture development.
'With KPRJ's involvement, we expect this area to grow in significance. The shrimp farming project is also part of broader initiatives under the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone, which focuses on cross-border collaboration and integrated economic development,' Zahari said.
The state government, he added, is optimistic about aquaculture's potential to contribute meaningfully to Johor's economy while reducing reliance on imported seafood.
The pilot project will be closely monitored by the state government, with hopes it can be expanded and replicated in other parts of Johor.
'The Johor government is committed to supporting innovative approaches in aquaculture, especially those involving close collaboration between government agencies, GLCs and local farming communities,' Zahari said.