Aquaculture And Fisheries Industry In Malaysia

Aquaculture And Fisheries Industry In Malaysia INTRODUCTION Aquaculture industry in Malaysia nowadays has become one of engine of growth that contributes to the improvement in the economy of our country. Fisheries industry is one of the main sectors of food supply in Malaysia. At 2008, aquaculture has achieved about 20.8% contribution in fisheries industry   [ 1 ]   . Among various types of aquaculture activities, brackish water aquaculture is the predominant practise in the industry. Aquaculture is becoming one of ways to enhance food security and increase export revenues of Malaysia. Thus, commercialisation of aquaculture industry is the great concern give by government and private sectors to promote a better life and standard of living of people despite of increasing the economy development. I want to investigate how far the commercialisation of shrimp does contribute in the aspect of economy development and Human Developing Index. I have the idea to do this research initially because I’ve seen that farmed shrimp h ave been demanded by people for many reasons. This research was done to investigate the effect of commercialisation of shrimp farming in aquaculture industry towards the area in Merbok, Kedah. Most of the shrimp farmers choose various type of shrimp in their farm according to demand by people. I chose to do this research in Merbok initially because it is one of important aquaculture area of in Kuala Muda, Kedah. Moreover, Kedah is poised to become a major shrimp aquaculture zone   [ 2 ]   . The research is significant to investigate the effect of commercialisation towards the surrounding area including farmers, households and private sectors in Merbok. The Malaysian government assists the shrimp culture industry through the Department of Fisheries, which provides advice and technical assistance. In addition, aquaculture industry is become to produce high value species for domestic market as well as for the export market. About 80 percent of the Malaysian shrimp culture productio n is exported, mostly to Singapore, Japan, the United States, and Europe. Export market contributes mainly towards increasing revenues in economy of Malaysia. But, in this research, there is no numerical data about export of shrimp because most of farmers in Merbok do not export their products directly. Besides, this research is significant to make the community realise the steps taken by government to improve income and standard of living of poor people in Malaysia in order to reduce poverty. Most of Malaysian does not aware of it. Commercialization is the main purpose did by government to attract more people involve in this profitable sector. Furthermore, I also include the challenges faced by farmers in shrimp farming. 1.2 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES This study is attempted to make a further study of the effects of commercialism of tiger shrimp farming towards economy of Merbok. The objectives of study are: To investigate on how and how far has the aquaculture industry brought to improve ment in the economy development of Merbok, Kedah. To study the demand and supply of tiger shrimp before and after commercialization. To investigate the government intervention to improve this industry as one of important industry in Merbok, Kedah. To investigate the role aquaculture industry in increasing the standard of living of farmers, graduates and etc.