JOHOR BARU: The Johor Fisheries Department made history by releasing 1.6 million freshwater prawn (udang galah) fry simultaneously across seven districts in the state.
State agriculture, agro-Based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the effort earned the department a Malaysia Book of Records recognition as the “Largest Freshwater Prawn Fry Release in Malaysia.”
He said the mass fry release was carried out in the districts of Segamat, Kluang, Muar, Tangkak, Batu Pahat, Mersing and Kota Tinggi on Sunday (Oct 12).
“I officiated the release at one of the locations, Sungai Muar near Jabatan Putus in Segamat, together with the department, book of records representatives and members of the local inland fishermen community.
“The release also took place across five major river basins that support inland fishing communities, namely Sungai Muar, Sungai Ulu Benut, Sungai Sembrong, Sungai Telor and Sungai Lenggor,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
He added that the initiative was supported by RM600,000 from the state government and RM50,000 from the federal government, enabling the release of 3 million freshwater prawn fry and 202,000 fish fry across the state.
“This programme is more than just a symbolic release as it reflects the strong collaborative commitment between the state government, government agencies and inland fishing communities to conserve and preserve Johor’s freshwater fisheries resources,” he said.
Zahari noted that Johor’s inland fishery sector continues to record positive growth.
“Freshwater yield increased to 1,400.33 metric tonnes worth RM18.77mil in 2024, compared to 1,184 metric tonnes worth RM16.78mil in 2023.
“Therefore, this large-scale fry release is a timely move to ensure the sustainability of natural resources while supporting economic benefits and income growth for inland fishermen and rural communities,” he added.
During the event, licences and safety equipment were also handed over to 34 new inland fishermen in Buloh Kasap, Segamat.
