Betting on fish farm pays off for eight friends

TEMERLOH: When Darul Ezmer Zurin wanted to look for a way to increase his income, he decided to breed freshwater fish.

Despite knowing that ikan patin (Pangasius sutchi) is the trademark fish for Temerloh, he had no idea how to rear it and if he had enough money to finance the project.

“Most of the time I was wondering if the idea to start a cage fish project was a good move at all. What if it failed? I doubted myself and that was my biggest mistake,” he said.

Darul Ezmer, 31, from Kampung Bintang, said he was lucky to have seven friends who were also looking for additional income. Together, they pooled expertise and experi- ence to start the cluster project to rear patin in Sungai Pahang.

Now, they have 40 cages and have a mutual agreement that they all share responsibility for the project, taking turns looking after the fish.

Darul Ezmer said their hard work has paid off because they are now earning at least RM2,000 monthly from the farm.

“We received lots of assistance from the authorities, mainly the Fisheries Department. Not only financially but also in terms of advice and the items needed, such as fish feed.

“We also received aid after our project was affected by dry and monsoon seasons,” he added.

His friend, Saiful Fadli Shaharuddin, 37, also from Kampung Bintang, said the cluster project began in October last year and the Fisheries Department helped with the infrastructure, especially the jetty.

“Six months after that, we har- vested patin for the first time. It was a very special and proud moment for us.

“We sold the fish to traders around Temerloh for RM13 per kg when the normal price was RM17 to RM18,” he said.

Saiful Fadli said some people had asked them to market the patin outside Temerloh but due to limited stock, they are unable to at this time.

“Temerloh is a well-known destination for the gulai tempoyak ikan patin dish. Every weekend, we see food lovers, superbike enthusiasts and car club members coming to town for this local delicacy. Some even buy fresh patin to take home,” he added. — Bernama

We sold the fish to traders around Temerloh for RM13 per kg.

Saiful Fadli Shaharuddin