Dr Abdul Rahman (second left) and his delegation at the Fisheries Biosecurity Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
KUCHING (Jan 8): Sarawak is intensifying efforts to develop its aquaculture and animal feed industries through strategic collaborations with federal agencies and academic institutions.
This push was highlighted during a recent visit by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, to the Fisheries Biosecurity Centre of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 7.
Discussions centred on advancing tilapia farming in Batang Ai, with a focus on biosecurity, fish disease management, and technology transfer to increase productivity.
Key topics included developing high-quality broodstock, adopting probiotic-based fish feed, and applying vaccines in aquaculture.
The meeting also aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Sarawak State Farmers’ Organisation (PPNS) and the federal Department of Fisheries.
“A key initiative is positioning the Ridan Station as a premier research and reference centre for tilapia breeding and aquaculture development,” as quoted from DUN Bukit Kota service centre Facebook page.
The previous day on Jan 6, Abdul Rahman, who chairs the PPNS, visited Universiti Malaya.
Held at the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), the talks focused on research collaboration and innovation in animal feed production to support national food security and the agro-based industry.
This engagement highlighted the critical role of linking academic research with industry to drive innovation in smart agriculture and sustainable food systems.
Both meetings were attended by senior officials from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, the Sarawak Marine Fisheries Department, representatives from Universiti Malaya’s research divisions, PPNS management, and key industry stakeholders.
