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Ng Chee
Kiat
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December 28, 2007
President’s Message
The year is drawing to a close with Christmas just over and 2008 will be upon us shortly so let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year. 2007 has been significant for aquaculture and fisheries in many ways. It is becoming increasingly evident, that food production is being focused on aquaculture, more than ever before, not just in Malaysia but all over the world. The recent initiatives from both public and private entities are evidence of the growing interest in aquaculture.
Personally, I am glad that aquaculture is gaining importance and look forward to the MFS growing with the industry in Malaysia. Interest in marine shrimp farming has dwindled in recent years as margins are being squeezed, particularly with the introduction of the Pacific White Shrimp. While this is bad for the industry, it has also allowed for more focus on freshwater species like Tilapia and Pangasius and also pricey species such as the “Kerai” and “Kelah” and “Udang Galah” which currently commands ex-farm prices of up to RM 40 per kg !!!
The high price of the “Udang Galah” known also as the Giant Malaysian Prawn, is attributed to its excellent taste (Restaurants in Taiwan sell it cooked in 16 different ways!!) and also its unique market niche where anglers are happily forking out the dough to land 40-gram prawns by hook and line within the comforting luxuries of the city. There are believed to be some 20 outlets in the Klang Valley alone. Demand is so good that traders go to the extent of shipping them live from neighboring Thailand despite the high mortality risks associated, when local supply is wanting.
The Giant Malaysian Prawn has for many years been associated with Malaysia since the larval production was first achieved in Penang in the early 1960’s. Since then, production technology has been exported to many where the species has rapidly established itself as an important culture candidate in many other countries. Locally, production seems to have stagnated despite the early promising breakthroughs and Malaysia appears to falling behind as even PLs are being imported to meet local demand for fry.
The MFS is hosting “Giant Malaysian Prawn 2008” with the intent of providing the industry an alternative species for culture, which arguably is the best value for money in terms of freshwater aquaculture. The society has been busy putting together a 2-day program which will feature prominent speakers from Australia, China, India, the Philippines, Thailand and also Malaysia who will talk about various aspects of the biology and farming.
With more money being poured into aquaculture, it is important that these investments are backed by sound decisions with access to appropriate technology. I hope that the events planned by the MFS will not just spur local industry players to seek out best practices for themselves but also encourage more regional cooperation through increased networking in order that the industry can mature in a sustainable and healthy manner.
Best wishes
Ng Chee Kiat
President (2006-2008)