SANTUBONG: Santubong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has allocated assistance amounting to RM271,600 for operational inputs and mobile equipment to support the local aquaculture industry.
Nancy, who is also Women, Family and Community Development Minister, said the government is constantly encouraging investment and business in aquaculture by offering financing facilities.
“This includes soft loans, youth entrepreneur grants and government incentives.
“This assistance involves aquaculture inputs, training, and technical advisory services to aquaculture entrepreneurs to ensure the sustainability of protein sources in the country,” she said.
She said this during the opening of the ‘Juh Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur’ programme held at the Regional Sea Fisheries Office 1 here yesterday (June 22).
Nancy also revealed a new project aimed at enhancing local aquaculture infrastructure, which includes the construction of 42 wooden cages in Sungai Santubong and Sungai Salak, Kuching, costing RM425,850.
She said this will benefit seabass farmers in the area.
Additionally, Nancy mentioned that the ongoing support from the Department of Fisheries through its Aquaculture Delivery System and Extension Support Services (SPeKS), introduced in 2006, has allocated RM1,727,405 to 23 participants for the restructuring and development of the aquaculture community.
Regarding the ‘Juh Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur’ programme, Nancy explained that the initiative, themed ‘Rasa Lok, Nang Nyaman,; aims to empower the aquaculture industry in meeting the protein needs of the people.
“The main marine species in Sarawak include seabass and marine shrimp, while new species such as GIFT tilapia (Genetic Improvement of Farmed Tilapia) and milkfish are also being promoted due to their growth advantages and taste,” she added.
Nancy hoped the programme would attract new entrepreneurs to the industry.
