It is indeed an honour for me to contribute a message to the Malaysia Fisheries Directory 2009 - 2010 edition. I believe this highly informative and useful publication will help to promote the fisheries industry in Malaysia.

The fisheries sub sector is a very important component of the overall agriculture sector, contributing to the food security of the country. With a production of 1.56 million tonnes valued at RM6.32 billion in 2007, the fisheries sub sector was 93% self-sufficient and it is expected to reach full self-sufficiency by the year 2010. Emphasis will be on the enhancement of aquaculture production and the sustainable development of deep-sea fishing as well as the promotion of value-added products. In addition, research efforts utilising modern technology and biotechnology will ensure better production and quality standards to meet the stringent food safety requirements for the domestic and export markets.

While the Department of Fisheries Malaysia leads the industry, the full participation of the private sector is essential to achieve the targets set forth under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. In this respect, I congratulate your efforts in publishing this directory as an important reference of the fisheries sector for entrepreneurs and the general public.

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Dato' JUNAIDI B. CHE AYUB
(Director-General of Fisheries Malaysia)