A Preliminary Study on the Current Status and Development of Commercial Aquaponics Farms in Malaysia

ASM Sc. J., 20(2), 2025

Published on November 14, 2025

https://doi.org/10.32802/asmscj.2025.1621

Author: Kiu Qi Song Colin, Teoh Chaiw Yee adn Ai Lin Ooi

Abstract

A survey was conducted to collect information about commercial aquaponics farms in Malaysia to provide insight into their operating status and to promote aquaculture sustainability. A total of 13 aquaponics farms from Selangor (9), Pulau Pinang (2) and Sarawak (2) participated in this survey. Farm general information, crop, fish and aquaponics system, financial input and output, and farm challenges of each aquaponics farm were summarised. Aquaponics farms are mainly located in urban areas where 84.6% of the farms were intermediate farms (>1076 ft –≤5382 ft ) and large farms 2 2 2 (>5382 ft ). The most produced crops and fish by these aquaponics farms were leafy vegetables and tilapia respectively. Aquaponics farmers spent an average of RM 75.44/ft2 on the initial capital while RM 16.44/ft2 on the annual expenses. On average, crop production value was threefold higher than fish production value produced by these aquaponics farms. Plant pests and diseases, pH instability and nutrient deficiencies in the aquaponics system as well as financial issues were some of the main challenges faced by the aquaponics farmers.

Keywords: aquaculture, aquaponics, sustainability, tilapia