@ AGROBiz | May-June. 2026

• Malaysia has introduced stricter import requirements for Thai seabass through a Certificate of Analysis requirement.

• The controls are intended to strengthen food safety and quality assurance for imported fisheries products.

• MAFS launched FTV Fomalhaut to support training and skills development in the fisheries sector.

INDUSTRY-WIDE IMPACT: The shrimp sector supports a broad value chain encompassing farmers, processors, exporters and thousands of workers.

ers and exporters.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security( MAFS) said the restriction, effective Jun 1, is part of stricter controls on fisheries products from Thailand.

The measure affects Penaeus esculentus( brown tiger prawn), Fenneropenaeus merguiensis( banana

prawn), Penaeus vannamei( whiteleg shrimp), Penaeus monodon( giant tiger prawn) and Penaeus stylirostris( blue shrimp).

The suspension will remain until Thai authorities respond to Malaysia ' s queries. Lifting the ban depends on further evaluation of the information provided.

TRADE AND FOOD SAFETY

The ministry also announced tighter requirements for siakap( seabass) imports from Thailand, including the mandatory submission of a Certificate of Analysis( CoA).

The measures aim to strengthen food safety and ensure imported seafood meets Malaysia ' s standards. Enforcement will involve several government agencies.

In Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul responded by directing relevant ministries to engage Malaysian counterparts and work towards a resolution.

Anutin Charnvirakul

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said the issue was discussed during the Cabinet meeting, with the government mindful of the importance of the shrimp sector to rural livelihoods and export earnings.

CONTIGENCY MEASURES

“ If the issue is allowed to persist, it could affect farm-gate shrimp prices and the incomes of small-scale farmers,” she said.

Ratchada said the prime minister had instructed the deputy prime minister and commerce minister, together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, to hold urgent discussions with Malaysian authorities.

She added:“ The Prime Minister emphasised that this issue must not become a burden borne solely by farmers, as the shrimp industry supports an entire supply chain, including farms, collectors, processing plants, exporters and a large workforce.”

Thailand is preparing measures to minimise the impact, including supporting farm-gate prices and expanding alternative export markets. Malaysia, meanwhile, maintained that the enhanced import controls are being implemented in cooperation with relevant agencies and that measures are in place to ensure stable domestic supplies of seabass and shrimp.

AS Malaysia works to safeguard its fish supply amid growing industry challenges, efforts are being stepped up to equip the next generation of fisheries workers with the skills needed to support a modern and sustainable sector.

The latest effort is FTV Fomalhaut, a new training vessel that will provide practical at-sea training for future fisheries professionals at the Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Fisheries College in Perak.

Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security( MAFS) at MSET Shipbuilding Corporation Sdn Bhd in Kuala Terengganu. It will be stationed at the Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Fisheries College( KPSN) in Manjung, Perak, where it will be used to train fisheries students and personnel.

Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak said the RM9.29 million vessel can carry up to 25 people and will help develop industry-ready talent. BUILDING CAPACITY

The training programme will emphasise practical learning, with trainees spending most of their time gaining direct exposure to real fishing operations at sea.

“ It will be fully utilised through a learning approach comprising 30 per cent theory and 70 per cent practical skills.

“ Trainees will experience the full chain of capture fisheries operations— vessel handling, navigation, purse seine, catch handling, modern technology, and at-sea safety procedures,” he said.

He said this experiential approach would strengthen technical skills and prepare trainees for work in fisheries.

SKILLED HUMAN CAPITAL He said the initiative supports the

National Agrofood Policy 2.0, which aims to transform the agrofood industry through innovation and skilled talent.

The launch of the vessel also comes as the capture fisheries sector continues to be a major contributor to Malaysia ' s food supply.

“ The capture fisheries sector remains among the main contributors to the nation ' s fish supply, with production exceeding 1.2 million metric

MODERNISING THE INDUSTRY: Ministry officials at the launch of FTV

Fomalhaut, a new training vessel aimed at strengthening human capital development in the fisheries sector.

tonnes annually. Therefore, the development of highly skilled human capital is crucial to ensure the sector remains sustainable, resilient and capable of supporting the country ' s food security,” he said.

He added that the vessel would help strengthen the sector ' s talent pipeline while supporting long-term sustainability and national food security objectives.- @ AGROBiz