Two breeders in Jelebu, Negri Sembilan, received “ikan baung” (a type of catfish) fry from the Glami Lemi Fisheries Research Institute (IPP) through the District Fisheries Office.
Ishak Omar, 70, from Kampung Ulu Seperi, said the 1,000 fish fry he received would increase his income and expand the fish farm he established more than 10 years ago, adding that he applied for it just two months earlier.
“I bear the breeding cost. One bag of fish food is RM70, which lasts less than a month,” Ishak told Bernama.
Another recipient, Abdullah Abd Wahab, 48, who has been in the sector for almost six years, also received 1,000 fish fry from Jelebu District Fisheries head Mohd Azhar Jusoh at his farm in Kampung Ulu Klawang.
“I run a small-scale fish farming business, and I also have a permanent job in the private sector.
“I can see the potential of ‘baung’ fish farming, and now I have three fish ponds here. I will work hard to make this aid a success,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Azhar said the fry was the result of research conducted by the Glami Lemi IPP’s inland fisheries unit. He hopes the aid will enhance the socioeconomic status of the breeders and contribute to aquaculture production in the district.
“The department will monitor the growth of the fry once every three months to ensure they are fed properly to reach the suitable market size within the stipulated time,” he said.
