It is observed that private investment in deep sea fishing, processing and large scale aquaculture would help transform the sector into a modern, dynamic, commercial and hi-tech sector. Fisheries Department director-general Datuk Junaidi Che Ayub opined that the private sector was expected to be the main mover in the growth of the fishing industry in the years to come.
He also told that under the Third National Agriculture Policy (DPN3), efforts have been taken to encourage more private investment into this sector. He added that this after launching the ‘Implementation of Eco-system Based Management in Marine Capture Fisheries’ guide book which addressed over-exploitation and depletion of marine resources.
Junaidi explained that the Government would make it easier for companies to venture into deep sea fishing and aquaculture. He further opined that recently there are issues such as lack of labour, suitable technology and restraints by government regulations and procedures to look at.
Malaysia’s seafood consumption per capita in 2010 would reach 56kg from 39.1kg now. One of the objectives of the DPN3 is to raise local food production to ensure our food security and help stabilise national inflation. Junaidi also said that food output in developing countries was growing at between 1.8 percent to 2.1 percent despite having to meet growing food demand between 2.2 percent and 2.4 percent yearly.
