| Abdul Hakiim Yakof |
SEVERAL local fish farming companies have shown potential in contributing to the aquaculture industry of Brunei Darussalam with the ability to increase production, thus assisting the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) strategic plan of contributing $681 million to the GDP by 2020.
One of these local companies, Syarikat Usaha Tani Deli Duman, has been running a five-hectare freshwater fish farm in Kampong Rampayoh, Labi, Ulu Belait since 1999.
The farm breeds Giant Freshwater Prawn and Tilapia fish. For smooth operation of its production, the company is run by one manager and three foreign workers. The yield is sold in the local market including supermarkets and local restaurants.
Aliyah @ Rahegi binti Mohammad Deli, the manager of the company, told the Bulletin that the company’s vision is to consistently increase its production and productivity to contribute to the growth of the fishery industry.
The company appointed a manager in 2014 but only began operation in 2015 with a production of 805kg of Tilapia and Giant Freshwater Prawn.
Aliyah @ Rahegi binti Mohammad Deli showing the Tilapia in one of the tanks. – PHOTOS: ABDUL HAKIIM YAKOF
Workers bringing in the prawns
A prawn ready to be spawned
In 2016, with six pools in operation, the company produced 619kg of freshwater fish, which is 10 per cent more than its target.
At present, the company is increasing its capacity of nursery tanks used for hatching to produce prawn eggs.
Among the steps taken by the company to contribute to the strategic plan of the MPRT in achieving the GDP target of $404 million for the aquaculture industry by 2020 are increasing farm productivity through Brunei Good Aquaculture Practices, maximising plots and pools to increase production, meeting the requirement capacity of the local market and increasing investment with the current financial ability.
“In relation to the government’s effort of encouraging operators in the fisheries sector to make use of advanced technology to increase production, our company welcomes any form of advice from the government about using the latest technology from successful countries or greener methods that don’t require higher spending,” said Aliyah @ Rahegi.
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