Perak is set to aggressively expand its mussel (kupang) farming industry over the next few years, capitalising on a surge in consumer demand for fresh seafood.
Perak Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) director Ahmad Zulkifli Ismail said the state’s aquaculture expansion was on the right track, following an application submitted to the state government for a new 72ha plot in Manjung Selatan.
“Through the state goverment’s initiative in collaboration with LKIM and the fishing community, mussel farming is seen to have strong potential and commercial value.
“This effort falls under the Perak Blue Economy Roadmap, which is part of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 development plan,” he told Bernama during a visit to the Sungai Tinggi Fishermen’s Association mussel farming project in Bukit Gantang, Perak.
Ahmad Zulkifli said the farming of mussels, scientifically known as Perna viridis, began in Perak in 2015 with an initial allocation of about RM150,000.
It has since received various allocations and assistance from the state government to provide an additional source of income for the fishing community.
“From a small project, mussel farming has produced more than 100 tonnes of harvest over the past 10 years from two sites, namely Sungai Tinggi and Manjung Selatan.
“Currently, demand for fresh mussels continues to increase, and we are only able to produce about 500kg per season, which is insufficient to meet demand.
“That is why this project is among LKIM’s priorities for expansion,” said Ahmad Zulkifli.
He said mussel seeds were sourced from Johor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan, which have a longer history in the industry, but production in Perak has its own unique characteristics.
According to Ahmad Zulkifli, Perak mussels are sought-after for their sweeter flesh, a distinctive trait attributed to the higher salinity, habitat and water quality of the local marine environment.
Meanwhile, Sungai Tinggi Fishermen’s Association chairman Abu Salim Karim said about 50 participants were involved in the mussel farming project in Sungai Tinggi and Manjung Selatan, covering an area of 2.4ha.
He said each of the 10 cages in Sungai Tinggi contained about 500 mussel lines.
“Mussels take between six and nine months to mature, with returns reaching up to three times the initial investment.
“We buy seeds at RM45 per line and can sell them for more than RM100 if they are well-maintained.
“If a farmer invests RM4,000 in seeds, they can earn returns of up to RM12,000,” said Abu Salim.
He added that the main challenges faced by farmers were unpredictable weather and barnacle infestations, which require removal at least once every two weeks to ensure optimal growth.
For mussel farmer Ahmad Faney Mohamad Hashim, 49, the project initially started as a side activity to supplement his income as a fisherman.
Having been involved in mussel farming since 2016, he said it was much easier to manage compared to fish farming, which required closer monitoring and was exposed to various risks of disease.
“When rearing fish, sometimes there are disease issues, but mussels do not pose many problems.
“Up to 90% can survive and they are relatively easy to farm,” he said.
Ahmad Faney explained that mussels feed naturally on plankton and fine organic matter carried by water currents, eliminating additional feed costs.
However, despite the relatively low maintenance, farmers need to be patient as returns take time.
Ahmad Faney said one mussel line could yield between 20kg and 25kg per harvest cycle, depending on environmental conditions and farming duration.
“The yield depends on care and weather conditions, but if successful, it can help boost income,” he said, adding that he could earn about RM1,000 per harvest.
