Introduction: Malaysia’s Aquatic Food Systems at a Crossroads
Aquatic foods play a crucial role in Malaysia’s food security, nutrition, economy, and coastal livelihoods. But the nation’s fisheries sector is undergoing a significant transformation. A recent study reveals that while wild-caught fish production is stagnating, aquaculture—especially seaweed farming—is rapidly expanding and driving future growth.
Wild Fisheries in Malaysia: Stagnation Despite Significance
According to a study published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, wild-capture fisheries in Malaysia are facing serious challenges. Overfishing, habitat degradation, weak governance, and market pressures have halted growth in this sector. In 2022, capture fisheries contributed 69% to Malaysia’s total fish production, yet the output has remained flat for years.
Aquaculture on the Rise: Seaweed Farming Leads the Surge
Aquaculture—including the farming of fish, shrimp, and seaweed—now contributes around 30% to the nation’s total fish supply. Among these, seaweed farming has emerged as the fastest-growing segment, accounting for more than half of Malaysia’s aquaculture output. With its low cost and minimal environmental footprint, seaweed cultivation is now a major blue economy success story.
Expert Insights: Sustainability and Smallholder Support Key to Future Growth
Dr. Cristiano Rossignoli, Research Lead at WorldFish and co-author of the study, emphasized that Malaysia’s aquatic food systems face both risk and opportunity.
“Aquaculture has great potential to meet the rising demand for aquatic foods, especially as wild fisheries reach their limit. But sustainable practices and smallholder support are essential for unlocking this potential,” he noted.
Challenges Facing Malaysia’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Sectors
Despite growth in aquaculture, both fisheries and farming sectors face pressing issues:
- Rising production costs
- Limited access to quality hatcheries
- Inadequate cold storage and fish processing facilities
- Complicated regulatory processes
- Environmental threats such as climate change
Many small-scale producers are struggling to stay afloat due to these persistent obstacles.
Call to Action: Reform, Infrastructure, and Innovation Needed
The study calls for comprehensive reforms, including:
- Expansion of hatchery infrastructure
- Investment in rural cold-chain and processing technologies
- Simplification of regulatory frameworks
- Stronger support for small-scale fishers and aquaculture producers
- Increased funding for R&D and innovation
Malaysia’s Fish Self-Sufficiency Declining
The report also reveals that Malaysia’s fish self-sufficiency rate has dropped from 93% in 2019 to just over 90% in 2022. Domestic demand for seafood continues to rise, but the country is importing more fish than ever before.
A Sector in Transition: Supporting a Sustainable Blue Economy
Prof. Aileen Tan, Director of the Center for Marine and Coastal Studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia and study co-author, stressed the urgency of adaptation:
“This research clearly shows that Malaysia’s aquatic food sector is undergoing a structural transition. As wild fisheries plateau, boosting sustainable aquaculture—especially small-scale operations—is vital for long-term resilience.”
Conclusion: Charting a Sustainable Future for Malaysian Fisheries
With capture fisheries hitting a plateau and aquaculture gaining momentum, Malaysia’s aquatic food sector is at a pivotal point. By prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and inclusive policies, the country can secure a resilient and prosperous future for its blue economy.
Reference:
Chinedu Obi et al., Overview of the fishery and aquaculture sectors in Malaysia, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2025.1545263