KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering increasing the number of Elaun Sara Hidup Nelayan Darat recipients to 5,000 from the current 3,900.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the move reflects a commitment to improving inland fishers’ welfare and recognising their role in food security.
He said this is delivered through initiatives under the Fisheries Department and the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia.
Key support includes a RM250 monthly allowance for 3,900 fishers with total funding of RM11.7mil.
He said Projek Khas Perumahan Nelayan offers up to RM13,000 per household and added that the number of recipients may rise depending on needs and fiscal capability.
Budget 2026 allocates over RM105mil to strengthen the sector through vessel modernisation and Aquaculture Industrial Zones.
He said funds also cover biosecurity research and modern systems such as RAS and Biofloc, adding myGAP certification expansion is included.
Inland fishers are also encouraged to explore aquaculture for additional income.
Arthur cited Agropreneur Muda, TEMAN AKUA and myKomuniti Perikanan for training, equipment and market access and highlighted digital transformation in aquaculture using Smart Aquaculture IoT systems.
He said automated feeders and smart aerators can cut costs by up to 30% and added that survival rates can rise to 80%.
“Over 2,000 operators have been trained using modern systems,” he said during the committee stage debate on Tuesday (Nov 11).
Research innovations such as SHOS Spotter, HAB early warning and ConnectAqua2u have been commercialised.
“These initiatives strengthen aquaculture resilience and support a 40% contribution to national fish production by 2030,” he added.
