Don’t just grow your own crops, rear fish too, says Mat Sabu

 The agriculture and food security minister suggests that those with enough space in their yards build fish ponds to supplement their food supply.

Agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu rears red tilapia and gouramis in two ponds behind his house. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu is now suggesting Malaysians consider rearing their own fish, days after urging them to plant their own crops.

In a Facebook post, the minister said those with enough space in their yards should consider using it to rear fish, in addition to growing crops.

The Amanah president, fondly known as Mat Sabu, also said he reared red tilapia and gouramis in two ponds behind his house.

“It is more fun during the fasting month, when you can catch and cook two to three fish from the ponds to break your fast. They are fresh, and most importantly, they save you money on kitchen expenses.

“Anyone keen to build ponds like Bang Mat?” he asked in the post.

On March 13, Mohamad ordered his ministry’s officers to plant their own crops as there was no sign the conflict involving Israel, the US and Iran would end soon.

He said the government encouraged those living in landed homes to cultivate fast-growing crops as an “additional step to increase domestic food supply”.

Mohamad’s suggestion drew a response from an MP, who said it was unlikely to resolve food security issues because of its small scale and minimal impact on the country’s overall food supply.

However, the minister defended himself, saying Japan and Singapore encouraged their citizens to grow their own crops and practise urban farming despite having strong food policies in place. - FMT