Malaysia Exports Surplus Fish Species While Importing High-Demand Varieties, Says LKIM

MELAKA, Oct 24  – Malaysia produces an adequate supply of select fish species to satisfy domestic demand and export surpluses, though the country continues to import specific varieties—such as mackerel and ikan kerisi (threadfin bream)—where local production falls short, according to the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM).

LKIM Chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil explained that fish trade dynamics are dictated by domestic demand and supply balances, seasonal weather patterns, and the availability of natural marine resources.

Speaking to reporters after attending the LKIM 2026 Excellent Service Awards ceremony in Bandar Hilir, Melaka, on Friday night, October 23, Muhammad Faiz highlighted that local production in key aquaculture sectors exceeds domestic consumption requirements.

“For example, for sea bass, we have achieved 114 per cent (of domestic demand), so we export the surplus. There are also fish species that are in high demand domestically, so we have to import them,” he stated.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu officiated the event, where 94 personnel from the Department of Fisheries were presented with excellent service awards.

Aquaculture Expansion, Agrobank Funding, and PADAN Fishermen Database

Key measures to bolster domestic seafood security, support fishermen’s associations, and streamline government subsidies include:

• Expanding Local Aquaculture: LKIM is encouraging area- and state-level fishermen’s associations to enter commercial aquaculture to boost total domestic output and reduce import dependency.
• Agrobank Special Fund: Over 20 fishermen’s associations are actively engaged in aquaculture projects, supported by government grants and a dedicated RM40 million special financing fund under Agrobank.
• PADAN Registration: More than 35,000 incentive-receiving fishermen have been registered in the Fishermen Database (PADAN) to streamline the disbursement of cost-of-living allowances and diesel fuel subsidies.
• Centralized Data Management: The single PADAN database allows LKIM to systematically track aid recipients and continually update system records as new fishermen qualify for assistance.

–NMT