Melaka, 12 January 2025 – The International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (I-AQUAS) of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has successfully carried out a large-scale release of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) seeds in the state of Melaka. A total of 100,000 prawn seeds were released at the Pangkalan Nelayan Jeti Paya Lebar, Lubok China, Masjid Tanah, marking the start of a week-long program to release 3 million seeds into 10 rivers across Melaka.

The event was officiated by YB Datuk Wira Hj. Ibrahim bin Durum, Speaker of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly; YB Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, State EXCO for Rural Development, Agriculture, and Food Security; Dato Haji Adnan Hussain, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia; and Encik Saufi Affandi Talib, Director of the Melaka State Fisheries Department. Also present were representatives from I-AQUAS, UPM, and members of the local community.

This prawn seed release program is part of an initiative under the Land Use Optimization Program in Collaboration with the State Government, under the 2024 Food Security Program. It aims to conserve the giant freshwater prawn population, enhance local fisheries production, and support food security in Melaka.

The program reflects a collaborative effort between government agencies, academic institutions, and local communities to ensure the sustainability of aquatic resources and promote the economic well-being of fishermen in the state.

Date of Input: 03/02/2025 | Updated: 04/02/2025 | m_fakhrulddin