UniMAP Explores Aquaculture Sector
Padang Besar, October 25 - Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) through the Institute of Agrotecnology Lestari (INSAT) is currently exploring the field of aquaculture through research and development (R & D).This decision is made based on the need of the industry; where preliminary studies involves freshwater fish species of Jade Perch from Australia.
UniMAP Vice-Chancellor, Brig. Gen. Datuk Prof. Emeritus Dr. Kamarudin Hussin said the research conducted is a collaborative effort with Tunjang Induk Sdn. Bhd. (TISB), where TISB contributes fish hatchery place and fish tanks for the research purposes. He added that UniMAP currently has four fish tanks under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ridzwan Abdul Rahman.
“The number of fish that can be breed in each fish pond depends highly on the ventilation of the tank and the water temperature.”
“This research will be using high saline water to specifically help to treat and reduce ectoparasites and fungus disease. The product of the research conducted, which was initiated early this year, will be brand as “PUYU UniMAP” and will be in market early next year.”
The branding ceremony of PUYU KUKUM was officiated by the Minister of Higher Education Malaysia, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, in his visit to Uniciti Alam campus last Saturday.
Also present during the ceremony was the deputy Minister of Higher Education Malaysia, Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching and the developer of Uniciti Alam Campus, the Chairman of Proven Group of Companies Bhd. Datuk Yusof Jusoh.
According to UniMAP’s Vice Chancellor,the effort to breed Jade Perch has started as early as since 2010 in Malaysia. However, due to lack of expertise in breeding this fish species, breeders faced problems.
“On that basis, UniMAP and TISB agreed to develop the suitable aquaculture system that fits Malaysian climate and environment to help the breeders.
This species, Jade Perch, is a good breed as it has high potential to be ccommercialized due to its fast growth rate, has high resistance to disease as well contain high level of Omega-3.
