Malaysia's first shrimp farm operated with the help of Sustainable Aquaculture Farming System (SAFS) has officially commenced white leg shrimp farming (vannamei) in Penang, marking a new chapter in Penang's seafood industry. According to Pearl Express, Penang Premier Cao Kwan Yau visited Asia Aquaculture's smart shrimp farm in Batuman, Penang on Sunday afternoon to understand the prospects and needs of the industry. When asked by reporters later, he said that the relevant industries have great potential, the demand in the market is huge, the future prospects are very promising, once well planned, it will certainly be able to contribute to the Penang economy.
"With the help of science and technology, white leg shrimp farming can be more systematic and controlled, and the problems faced by traditional shrimp farming can be reduced, such as diseases, farming cycles and mortality of white shrimp." Therefore, he hoped that the relevant industry would work closely with the relevant government agencies, such as the Penang State Executive Councilors, who are in charge of the relevant areas, to discuss how to solve the current challenges, such as finding suitable sites to set up farms.
"As far as I know, there are currently several locations suitable for setting up white shrimp farms, and the state government will review the recommendations of the industry before deciding how to assist the development of the industry in Penang." In addition, with regard to the environmental problems of white shrimp farming, he believes that with the cooperation of government professionals, professionals and operators, better solutions will be obtained to solve these problems. Earlier, the company's chief executive officer Datuk Ismail said at a briefing that shrimp farms operating using the Sustainable Smart Aquaculture System (SAFS) have 10 times higher capacity than traditional shrimp farms.
"Among them, the mortality rate of white shrimp farmed in this system is only 5% to 10%, which is much higher than the survival rate of traditional shrimp farms, and other risks are relatively reduced under scientific farming. "He revealed that for the relevant projects, the company specially sent personnel to Vietnam to learn from experience and studied for more than many years before completing the technology transfer and setting up the relevant smart farm in Penang. He hopes to work with the Penang government in the future to develop the modern aquaculture system and become a major seafood aquaculture hub in the country, bringing new economic resources to Penang. Present were Penang First Deputy Governor Datuk Mohd Abdul Hami, Penang State Executive Councilors Famizano and Rasidy and Director of the Penang Fisheries Department Zalina.
Source: https://www.orientaldaily.com.my/, 22 October 2023.