PUTRAJAYA: Output of the national fisheries sector grew 7.1% in 2024, with total production reaching 1.91 million tonnes compared to 1.79 million tonnes the previous year.
The Malaysia Fisheries Department, in a statement on Friday (July 18), said the sector contributed RM11.8bil to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounting for 0.7% of the national GDP, with the annual growth rate increasing to 2.9%.
"The overall value of the fisheries sector rose from RM16.5bil in 2023 to RM16.9bil in 2024, representing a 2.5% growth," the statement said.
According to the department, the increase in output was driven by the capture fisheries subsector, which recorded landings of 1.39 million tonnes, a 9.6% increase from 2023.
Of this total, coastal fisheries contributed 1.18 million tonnes; deep-sea fisheries, 210,000 tonnes; and inland fisheries, 9,652 tonnes.
As for the aquaculture subsector, the department reported a moderate increase in production to 511,000 tonnes, compared to 506,000 tonnes the previous year.
Despite a slight decline in seaweed production, freshwater and brackish water aquaculture saw growth of 5.7% and 2%, respectively.
In the ornamental fish and aquatic plant subsector, production dropped to 209 million ornamental fish and 21 million bundles of aquatic plants.
On international trade, the department reported that Malaysia's fisheries exports were valued at RM4.02bil, while imports reached RM6.35bil.
"Major export destinations included China, Vietnam and Thailand, with the main products consisting of fresh, chilled and frozen goods based on the specific demands of each market," the statement added.
The fisheries sector employs around 106,000 fishermen and 16,873 active aquaculture operators nationwide.
Commenting on the sector's performance, Fisheries director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said it reflects the sector's resilience and steady performance, with a significant contribution to national food security, coastal economic development and public well-being. - Bernama
