Fishy business: Guests visiting the refurbished AkuaTAR at the Batu Maung Fisheries Research Centre, which has been in operation since 1996. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Govt plans to grow nation’s lucrative ornamental fish industry
GEORGE TOWN: There is big money swimming around in aquariums – in 2023 alone, Malaysia produced RM333.8mil worth of ornamental fish.
A total of 241.8 million ornamental fish were sold that year, out of which RM52.8mil worth was exported to Singapore, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and several European countries, said Fisheries Department director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain.
Adnan said there are plans to increase the nation’s production of ornamental fish by 5% by 2030.
“Apart from increasing production, we will help sellers tap into new markets such as the Middle East.
“Among the fish species exported are arowana, tiger barb, guppy and discus,” he said.
He added that Malaysian aquarium fish lovers were just as passionate as the country imported 84.8 million fish worth RM69.2mil, mainly from Thailand, China and Indonesia.
Adnan was speaking after officiating the opening of the refurbished Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium (AkuaTAR) at the Batu Maung Fisheries Research Centre, which has been in operation since 1996.
He said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry allocated RM250,000 in 2023 and an additional RM250,000 this year to enhance the aquarium’s facilities.
“The centre, which emphasises environmental education and awareness, now offers a more interactive experience with new exhibits focusing on the country’s marine ecosystem, including endangered species and conservation efforts,” he said.
“AkuaTAR is home to nearly 123 species of fish housed in 26 marine tanks, 19 freshwater tanks, eight aquatic plant tanks, six tanks for banned imported fish, along with various perennial specimens and four touch pools,” he added.
Also present were Fisheries Research Institute senior director Dr Azhar Hamzah and state Fisheries Department director Zarina Zainuddin.
