SANTUBONG: There are plenty of opportunities available for women to venture into aquaculture and contribute to food production, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said there is a need for increased female participation in the sector and highlighted the government’s efforts to support this initiative.
“Women’s participation is still lacking in various sectors, but opportunities are available.
“We are making significant efforts, not just in our ministry but in all related ministries, such as Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, to help women venture into various sectors. There are also initiatives like i-Suri to support women.
“In terms of business, we encourage women in business and provide assistance to those who are welfare recipients through economic programmes, including a two-year exit programme,” she said.
She said this to reporters after officiating at the ‘Juh Rasa-Rasa Akuakultur’ Programme held at the Regional Sea Fisheries Office 1 here yesterday (June 22).
In terms of food production, Nancy added that the ministry is opening up opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender, to participate in aquaculture.
“We also found that there are women partners in aquaculture businesses, especially in private limited companies and similar setups, though it often appears dominated by men,” she added.
In the fisheries sector, she said many downstream products are managed by women, particularly in rural areas.
“For example, in the East Coast, women predominantly handle the processing of keropok and other related products. There are no obstacles for women, and they are highly encouraged,” she said.
Nancy said that women have access to support through the ministry’s link to the Women’s Department.
This initiative, announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on March 8, provides a fund of RM50,000 to 100 women leaders.
According to her, the ongoing programme has received over 4,000 applications, though only 32 were complete as of Friday (June 21).
“We are giving them a chance to organise their applications. This is one of the programmes we are conducting, and God willing, we will have more in the future, including aquaculture,” she added.Opportunities aplenty for women in aquaculture
