Each Malaysian Will Consume 55 KG of Fish Per Year By 2020

PARIT BUNTAR (Malaysia), Jan 12 (Bernama) -- Each person in Malaysia is expected to consume 55 kilogrammes of fish per year by 2020, based on the increasing demand for this protein source. Perak Fisheries Department director, Sani Mohd Isa said a study done in 2000 found that the fish requirement for each person per year was only 45 kg and it increased to 50 kg in 2005. "The increase in population each year creates a higher demand for fish-based food," he said after the releasing of fish fry at Dataran Sungai Kerian, here, Wednesday. Sani said the main fish source was the sea but this had reached maximum level which now called for measures to enrich other sources like rivers and lakes with fish to meet the increasing demand. "For this purpose, our department has been carrying out various programmes like releasing fish fry into rivers, lakes and abandoned mining pools to avoid fish shortage in future. Some 46,000 fish fry from the "lampam" and "terbul" species" were released Wednesday in conjunction with the national-level Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen's Day celebration, here, from Jan 12 to 16. As part of the celebration, the state government and state Fisheries Department will be organising a fishing competition titled, "Yeop, Moh Kita Ngail" (Bro, Let's Go Fishing) at Dataran Sungai Kerian this Sunday, with prizes worth RM10,000 to be won. The entry fee is RM30 for each fishing rod. Those interested to register for the competition should call the Perak Fisheries Department at 05-2554061 or 05-2554062. (US$1=RM3.14) -- BERNAMA