SHAH ALAM, Aug 18: Tilapia has great potential to continue being developed as an important source of protein for the people, in addition to providing economic opportunities and income for aquaculture entrepreneurs, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He said this potential needs to be further strengthened through modern, productive and sustainable approaches, including the use of biofloc technology that can optimise land and water usage.
“The tilapia can be likened to the chicken of aquaculture. It has good demand and can be an important source of protein for the people. That’s why we want this industry to continue being empowered in a modern, productive and sustainable manner,” he said.
He said this in a statement issued by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) regarding the Tilapia Fish Farming Project Using the ARC Berkat Biofloc System in Klang, which was officiated by Mohamad today.
The project received government funding support through the National Agri-Food Empowerment Programme (PPAN), Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), as part of efforts to strengthen agri-food production capacity, increase productivity, and promote the use of modern technology in the aquaculture sector.
According to DOF data, 4,400 tilapia farmers were recorded in 2025, while as of July 2026, 4,399 farmers were involved in the fish farming activity.
In 2025, the country’s tilapia production was recorded at 28,555.94 tonnes worth RM343.47 million, while from January to July 2026, production reached 9,436.25 tonnes worth RM108.83 million, excluding Sabah and Sarawak.
According to the statement, the figures indicate that tilapia plays an important role in the country’s aquaculture sector, particularly in contributing to protein supply and food security, as well as providing space for the economic growth of entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, DOF director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said that the biofloc system has the potential to increase the efficiency of aquaculture production through more efficient use of land and water, especially in areas with space constraints. However, management of water quality, dissolved oxygen, nutrition, fish health, and biosecurity needs to be given attention.
According to DOF, Selangor recorded the highest production through the biofloc system in 2025, amounting to 1,423 tonnes worth approximately RM14 million, followed by Kedah with 35 tonnes and Melaka with 10 tonnes. In terms of the number of farmers, Kedah recorded the highest number with 26 people.
The statement said that approximately 99 per cent of the biofloc system usage is for tilapia farming, indicating that the technology has great potential to be expanded to increase productivity, especially in areas with land and water resource limitations.
However, tilapia farming must be conducted in a controlled manner because the species is an alien fish that can disrupt the ecosystem and native fish species if released into public waters. Therefore, farmers and the public are reminded not to release tilapia into rivers, lakes, dams or public waters.
At the same time, farmers are advised to practice good production, including obtaining myGAP certification, and to pay attention to water quality, especially during hot weather.
The government, through the DOF, will continue to provide support in the form of seeds, inputs, equipment, technology, and technical services to enhance productivity and attract more young people to venture into the field of aquaculture.
— BERNAMA