Research Talks by Visiting Professor in conjunction with

Research Talks by Visiting Professor in conjunction with AKUATROP Open day 2009
In conjunction with AKUATROP Open Day 2009, three continuous research talks on different topics
by visiting professors from overseas were held. The talks were aimed to expose the researchers,
lecturers, and students of UMT the awareness of parasitic infections, deformity in intensively farmed
fish and also use of the bioindicators and detection of pollution in aquatic ecosystem. AKUATROP
was honored to have two experienced visiting professors, Prof. Emeritus John Lewis and Prof.
Emeritus Ron Roberts.
Prof. Emeritus John Lewis is a specialist in zoology from the Royal Holloway University of London,
United Kingdom. He is the Chief Editor in Journal of Helminthology, Cambridge University Press and
involved directly in consultancies and linkages with the industries. He is also involved in software
extension for data management in scientific research focusing on global pathogen, contagious
disease and environmental data including climate changes. On the 2nd of November 2009, he
delivered a research talk on “Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections, Electronic Data Management of
Scientific Research” in the Library auditorium, UMT. Meanwhile, on the 4th November 2009, he
delivered a talk on “Bio indication and Detection of Pollution in Aquatic Ecosystem Current Trends”.
On the 2nd of November, another research talk was delivered by Prof. Emeritus Ron Roberts on the
“Skeletal Deformity in Intensively Farmed Fish”. Prof. Emeritus Ron Roberts is a specialist in Fish
Health from the University of Stirling. He is also the Chief Editor of Journal of Fish Disease.
Kelah juvenile handover ceremony by UMT to KETENGAH in conjunction with AKUATROP Open
Day
On 1st of November 2009, AKUATROP was honored to deliver 1000 juveniles of Tor tambroides or
known as “kelah merah” to the Lembaga Kemajuan Terengganu Tengah, KETENGAH. In the
ceremony, Kelah juveniles were handed over by UMT Vice Chancellor to KETENGAH director. This
program is one of the initiatives taken by AKUATROP as an effort to conserve this species from
extinction.
“Kelah”, is one of the common names for Tor tambroides in Malaysia. Since 1980’s research on Kelah
has already been done in UMT. An induced breeding program supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abol
Munafi Ambok Bolong has been conducted since the year 2007. This program involves three
postgraduate students and has been supported by AKUATROP staff. By collecting the wild
broodstock for domestication to hatchery condition, these broodstocks were fed with high protein
level of feed until satiation. Induced breeding in UMT was applied with approximately 5000 eggs per
brood fish spawned. Fertilized rate was 95% and hatching rate was 53%. In expanding the Kelah
Flagship project, AKUATROP has widened the field of study into broodstock management, nutrition
(broodstocks, juvenile and grower), system and water quality, genetics and biotechnology and
conservation.
Kelah juveniles after delivery from UMT hatchery will be placed in cage culture at Pertang, Kelah
Sanctuary Post at Tasik Kenyir. It is monitored by KETENGAH workers and cultured until they reach a
suitable size for releasing it to the wild. It is hoped that this little step will bring forward more
opportunity in discovering the secret of this fish and will help in maintaining and conserve them to
their natural habitat.
38
UMT Vice Chancellor hand over Kelah juveniles to KETENGAH director during the ceremony.
Prof. Dr. Faizah is explaining Kelah culture to KETENGAH director.
UMT Vice Chancellor and KETENGAH director at UMT Kelah Hatchery.
39
Soft Shell Crab Production Seminar
During AKUATROP Open Day on 1st November 2009, a demonstration session on soft shell crab
production was given to the audience by AKUATROP’s crab specialist, Dr. Mhd Ikhwanuddin @ Polity
Abdullah, assisted by Azmie Ghazali and Mohd Ihwan Zakariah. Most of the participants were local
residences, UMT students, school students, UMT lecturers, local aquaculturists. The objectives of
this session are as follows:1. To give information to the public about the Portunid crab research conducted by AKUATROP
2. To expose the public about the potential of crab culture industry in Malaysia, especially in the
production of soft shell crab production
Participants during the “Soft Shell Crab
Seminar”.
Dr. Mhd Ikhwanuddin showing procedure of leg
autotomy during Soft Shell Crab production
session.
Dr. Mhd Ikhwanuddin giving his talk.
Participant trying his skill to autotomize the crab.
40
Demonstration on Catfish Induced Breeding
A demonstration on the induced breeding of catfish was done for the audience. The demonstration
was conducted by Azmie Ghazali and Muhamad Syukri Shafie.
Speech on Marine Shrimp Aquaculture
Dr. Safiah Jasmani gave a talk on marine shrimp aquaculture. She described the current global
situation of shrimp aquaculture and techniques practiced in the hatchery to induce maturation in
female shrimp.
Brief explanation by Mr. Syukri before induced
breeding demonstration session.
Mr. Syukri and Mr. Azmie demonstrate how to do
induced breeding in catfish
Promotion, Publicity, Exhibitions and Visitation
Exhibition at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Sulaiman
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Sulaiman (SMKSS) Kuala Terengganu is one of the cluster
schools for Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). On the 2nd and 3rd July 2009, SMKSS had invited
UMT to participate in their Creativity and Co-curriculum Week at their school. The objective of the
Creativity and Co-Curiculum Week at SMKSS are to train all the students in co-curriculum activities
especially in sports, creativity, self-tenacity, team building and leadership. Other activities held were
camping, singing, poetry and poem declamation competition and sports competition.
AKUATROP on behalf of UMT had taken part to promote about UMT and AKUATROP research
activities. AKUATROP had exhibited poster, model, research products, equipment for research and
research activities such as breeding of ornamental marine fish, tomato clownfish (Ampiphrion
frenatus) and false clownfish (Ampiphrion ocellaris). Aquaponic project at Kg. Telaga Batin and type
of parasites that was harmful to fish were also showed in the exhibition. The exhibition was also
participated by government and privates agencies. In general, this exhibition serves as a medium for
discussion on aquaculture issues and information exchange among exhibitor and visitors, and also as
one of extension works for AKUATROP and UMT.
41
Mr. Ihwan giving explanation to students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Sulaiman (SMKSS) Kuala
Terengganu about fish parasites during the exhibition.
Research Exhibition during the 7th UMT Convocation 2009
In the convocation event, exhibition program is one of the most important events. All UMT faculty
and research institute were involved in the exhibition. Research Management Centre (RMC) acted as
a coordinator to arrange the programs for this event.
The research exhibition started from 12th July until 16th July 2009. The aims of the research
exhibition are to display research conducted in UMT, to encourage people in doing research and to
attract more visitors to convocation event at UMT. The research exhibition was getting good
response from the people especially from the parents and school children visited the booth.
AKUATROP exhibited research on aquaponic system, horseshoe crab research, fish disease research
and others, Besides the posters, AKUATROP also displayed AKUATROP corporate video that showed
the history of AKUATROP, research activities and other events such as the aquaculture workshop
and seminars that have been organized by AKUATROP.
In conclusion, the research exhibitions were getting good response from visitors and it can be one of
the methods to inform the public about all research activities at UMT and to encourage UMT
students to have interest in research.
42
Chairman of UMT Board of Directors Tan Sri Zaharudin Idrus at the booth of AKUATROP during the
7th UMT Convocation in 2009.
Research Exhibition in Asian Pacific Aquaculture Conference 2009
On the 3rd November to 6th November 2009 Institute of Tropical Aquaculture had joined the
exhibition at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur. The exhibition is one of the
events in the Asian Pacific Aquaculture Conference. This is an international program which is
organized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) with the cooperation of Department of Fisheries
Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and other agencies in Malaysia. The objectives of this
exhibition are to gather the individuals and industries involved in the aquaculture industry. Malaysia
was chosen by World Aquaculture Society (WAS) to organize this event in 2009 after the event in
Vietnam in 2007.
The opening ceremony officiated by The Honourable Tan Sri Dato’ Hj. Muhyiddin Bin Hj. Mohd
Yassin, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia on the 4th November 2009. In the short visit to
AKUATROP booth, he was given brief information about UMT and research in the AKUATROP by the
AKUATROP Director, Prof. Dr. Faizah Shaharom and AKUATROP Deputy Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Anuar Hassan. The conference theme, Sustainable Aquaculture and Quality Seafood for All had
attracted many researchers from Malaysia, Norway, Australia, Singapore, United States of America
and others. The exhibition also achieved to attract 66 agencies from local and international to take
part as exhibitor to display and introduce their products for aquaculture.
The main objective for AKUATROP to participate in this exhibition is to introduce and promoting
UMT as one of the local university that has aquaculture program and AKUATROP is the centre of
Excellent in UMT that contributing in the aquaculture research in Malaysia. This exhibition also
becomes a place for the exhibitors and visitors to exchange ideas and information on aquaculture.
AKUATROP is using this opportunity to get more corporate sector connection in the aquaculture
industry to expand aquaculture research activities in AKUATROP.
While promoting UMT, there are lot of information about UMT given to the public such as the
history of UMT, UMT publications, programs and coursers at UMT, faculties and Centre of Excellent
at UMT. Research posters done by AKUATROP’s researchers were also displayed at the booth.
43
AKUATROP’s staffs working together to setup the
booth.
AKUATROP’s staffs and students involved in Asian
Pacific Aquaculture Conference 2009.
AQUAPONIC System becomes main attraction at AKUATROP booth during the research exhibition in Asian
Pacific Aquaculture Conference 2009.
YAB Tan Sri Dato' Haji Muhyiddin bin Haji Mohd Yassin being briefed about research conducted by AKUATROP
staffs.
44
Appendix 1: Our Strength
No
1
2
3
Indicators
Staffs Strength
i.
Number of administrative and professional staffs
ii.
Number of supporting staffs
iii.
Number of academic staffs
a. Professor
b. Associate Professor
c. Senior Lecturer
d. Lecturer
e. Fellow Research
Facilities
i.
Number of educational lab
ii.
Number of reserach lab
iii.
Hatchery
iv.
Number of computer lab
v.
Number of computer for students usage
Number of Postgraduate students
i.
ii.
Achievement
20
12
1
3
5
1
1
6
2
1
31
Local
a. Master
b. Philosophy Doctor (PhD)
54
3
International
a. Master
b. Philosophy Doctor (PhD)
7
9
45
Appendix 2: Research Funding
Researcher / Grants
1.
2.
1.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
Prof. Dr. Faizah Shaharom
FRGS (1.11.2008−31.10.2010) : RM81,000
SCIENCE FUND (1.11.2009−31.07.2011) : RM240,000
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anuar Hassan
FRGS (10.10.2007−30.9.2009) : RM66,800.00
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abol Munafi
Department of Fisherise (DOF) (1.08.2009−31.08.2013) :
RM73,400.00
TECHNOFUND (01.07.2009−30.06.2011) : RM150,000.00
ESCIENCEFUND(MOSTI)(1.9.2007−31.08.2009) : RM180,000.00
FRGS (10.10.2007−30.9.2010) : RM15,080.00
TECHNOFUND (Apr 2008−Apr 2010) : RM2,100,000.00
TECHNOFUND : RM100,000.00
Assoc. Prof. Aizam Zainal Abidin
RUGS UPM (Jan 2008 - Dis 2009) RM30,000.00
MLNG (Feb 9007 - Feb 2010) RM191,000.00
Dr. Zaleha Kassim
UIAM/ESCIENCE FUND (MOA) : RM627,480.00
NOD (01.01.2008−31.12.2009) : RM394,000.00
UKM/MOSTI (1.1.2008−31.12.2010) : RM828,140.00
Dr. Mhd. Ikhwanuddin Polity@Abdullah
ESCIENCE FUND (MOA) (7.1.2009 −31.12.2011) : RM86,000.00
ESCIENCE FUND (MOA) (1.10.2009−30.09.2011) : RM190,000.00
IBM/ESCIENCE FUND (MOA) : RM247,325.00
Total Amount :
Grant Amount
(RM)
321,000.00
66,800.00
503,400.00
221,000
1,849,620.00
523,325.00
RM
2,979,646.68
46
Appendix 3: Research Activities in 2009
Researchers
1.
Prof. Dr. Faizah
Shaharom
2.
1.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anuar
Hassan
2.
1.
2.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abol
Munafi
3.
4.
5.
6.
1.
Assoc. Prof. Aizam
Zainal Abidin
2.
3.
1.
Dr. Zaleha Kassim
2.
3.
Project Title
Parasitic Crustaceans on Marine Cultured Fish: Taxonomy and
Life Cycle Caligus species.from cultured seabass (Lates
calcarifer).
FRGS (1.11.2008−31.10.2010): RM81, 000.00
Fish parasites as indicator of pollution in natural and farming
ecosystems
SCIENCE FUND (1.11.2009−31.07.2011) : RM240,000.00 .
Identification and basic mechanism of useful probiotic bacteria
having the key role to boost the growth of slow growing
groupers (Epinephelus spp). FRGS (10.10.2007−30.9.2009):
RM66, 800.00
Enhancement of Gonad using Biological fluid of Horseshoe Crab
Genetic Analysis of hybrid Red Tilapia for genetic Improvement.
Department of Fisheries (DOF) (1.08.2009−31.08.2013) :
RM73,400.00
Cultivation of Green Grouper (Epinephelus coiodes) eggs and
Fingerlings Using Water Treatment Technology and Nutrition
Science
TECHNOFUND (01.07.2009−30.06.2011) : RM150,000.00
Broodstock production of False Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
in captivity. ESCIENCEFUND(MOSTI)(1.9.2007−31.08.2009) :
RM180,000.00
Study on the Mechanism of Sex Determination in Protandrous
Anemone Fish. FRGS (10.10.2007−30.9.2010) : RM15,080.00
Commercialization of Snubnose Pompano (Trachinotus blochii).
TECHNOFUND (Apr 2008−Apr 2010) : RM2,100,000.00
A Pre-Commercial Production of fry and adult Marble Goby
(Oxyleotris marmoratus). TECHNOFUND : RM100,000.00
Optimization of Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
production with poultry and vegetable growing in an integrated
aquaculture - agriculture system.
RUGS UPM (January 2008 - December 2009) : RM30,000.00
A Study on Sungai Geras - Environmental effects
2. MLNG (February 2007 – February 2010) :RM191,000.00
Site selection for nesting ground and ecophysiology of
horseshoe crab Carcinoscopius rotundecauda and Tacchpleus
gigas from Pahang coast UIAM/ESCIENCE FUND
(MOA)(1.06.2009─1.06.2011) : RM160,000.00
Development of Cyst from marine Harpacticoid copepods
NOD (01.01.2008−31.12.2009) : RM394,000.00
Mass Fry Production Technology of Epinephelus sp. (Grouper)
UKM/MOSTI (1.1.2008−31.12.2010) : RM828,140.00
47
1. Optimization of Survival in Artificial Production of Juvenile Crab
Dr. Mhd Ikhwanuddin
@ Polity Abdullah
of blue swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus).
ESCIENCE FUND (MOA) (7.1.2009 −31.06.2011) : RM86,000.00
2. The Development of breeding Technology for the Production of
Banana shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis) Monosex Postlarvae.
ESCIENCE FUND (MOA) (1.10.2009−30.09.2011) : RM190,000.00
3. Impacts of Methyl Farnesoate on Reproduction of intact and
eyestalk ablated broodstock of Scylla sp. IBM/ESCIENCE FUND
(MOA) : RM247,325.00
Appendix 4: Other Responsibilities and Duties
A. Lecturer and Staff Associated to other Professional Bodies

Prof. Dr. Faizah Shaharom
1. Member of Malaysian Fisheries Society
2. Member of Asian Fisheries Society Professional Bodies
3. Member of Malaysian Parasitology and Tropical Medicine
4. Member of MINDS (Malaysian Invention & Design Society
5. Member of World Aquaculture Society
6. Life Member of Malaysian Society for Microbiology
7. Member of Malaysian Applied Biology
8. Member of British Society of Parasitology
1. Member of Malaysian society of Marine Science

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anuar Hassan
1. Member Bulletin Jap. Society.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abol Munafi
1. Lifetime member of World Aquaculture Society
2. Lifetime member of Malaysian Fisheries Society

Assoc. Prof. Aizam Zainal Abidin
1. Lifetime member of Malaysia and Asian Fisheries Biology
2. Lifetime member of Association of Applied Biology

Dr. Zaleha Kassim
1. Member of Malaysian Society for Applied Biology
2. Lifetime member of World Nature Society (MNS)

Dr. Safiah Jasmani
1. Member of The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science

Norainy Mohd Hussin
1. Lifetime member of Persatuan Genetik Malaysia
2. Member of Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)

Fara Nor Asmira Jastan
1. Golden Key International Honour Society, Chapter UMT
48
B. AKUATROP’s Professor / Lecturers Invited by Other Organization as :
i.

Thesis Reviewer
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abol Munafi
1. Victor Charlie Anak Andin (USM Student)
2. Ahmad Mohammed Ahmed Baghhwetah (USM Student)
ii.

Second Supervisor
Dr. Mhd. Ikhwanuddin Polity@Abdullah
1. Cik Syahrizawati;, M.Sc.; Scylla serrata (mud crab) seed production and its health
management Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
C. Evaluators Panel / Editor / International Seminar Community Included Panel Academic Club
for International and National Level.

Prof. Dr. Faizah Shaharom
1. Editor for Malaysian Fisheries Journal article titled: “A Review of Fish Health Monitoring
at Grow-out Floating Cages, Pulau Bhai, Sandakan and Sabah Fishery Department,
Breeding Centre, Tanjung Badak, Tuaran: Pulau Layang-layang Aquaculture Project in
Sabah
2. Editor for an article titled “Parasitic infection of giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium
rosenbergii from Kedah, Perak and Negeri Sembilan” to publish in Malaysian Fisheries
Journal (MFJ)
3. National Organising Committee for “Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2009”Instructor Panel
Member in Producing Proposal Workshop for Sciencefund at Universiti Malaysia Pahang
on 30 January to 1 February 2009.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anuar Hassan
1. Book Reviewer: Ternakan ikan Siakap terbitan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka
2. Book Reviewer: Penghasilan Benih ikan Kerapu terbitan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka
3. Book Reviewer: Pengangkutan ikan hidup terbitan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka
4. Book Reviewer: Ternakan benih ikan siakap menggunakan Sistem Cents terbitan Dewan
Bahasa dan Pustaka

Dr. Zaleha Kassim
1. Scientific Editor for Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation (ISSN 1823-3902).
2. Invited reviewer for Pertanika Journal
a. Title of paper : Distribution of Cu and Zn in the Shell Lipped Part Periostacum and Soft
Tissues of Perna viridis: The Potential of Peristracum as a Biomonitoring Material
(JTAS/0064/2007)
b. Title of paper: Depuration of Gut Content in the Intertidal Snail Nerita lineata Did not
necessary for the study of heavy metal contamination and bioavailibility: A laboratory
study (JTAS-0153-2009)
c. Title of paper: Relationship of distribution of macrobenthic invertebrates and the
physico-chemical parameters from Semenyih River by using correlation and multiple
linear stepwise regression analyses (JTAS/0188/2009)
d. Cd, Ni and Zn in the intertidal and drainage sediments collected from North western
Peninsular Malaysia: Do we bother about the monitoring data? (JST-0167-2009)
49
3. Invited reviewer for Sains Malaysiana Title of paper: The Sediment Geochemical Proxy of
Some Chemical Elements in Sediments of Kemaman River Estuary, Terengganu, Malaysia
(2008/07/31(123)
D. AKUATROP Lecturer Appointed as Advisor / Consultant for Community, Private and
Government Agency.

Prof. Dr. Faizah Shaharom
1. Kelah World Sdn. Bhd. – Pembenihan dan penjagaan Ikan Kelah (penasihat)
2. Kembang Subur Sdn. Bhd. – Projek Pengeluaran Ikan Pompano (penasihat)
3. Penasihat dan Penyelidik Projek Pembangunan Koridor Wilayah Pantai Timur (ECER)
untuk Projek Akuaponik.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abol Munafi
1. Kelah World Sdn. Bhd. – Pembenihan dan penjagaan Ikan Kelah (penasihat)
2. Kembang Subur Sdn. Bhd. – Projek Pengeluaran Ikan Pompano (penasihat)

Dr. Zaleha Kassim
1. Environment/Wetland Expert for Proposed Integrated Development Plan For the Kg.
Penarik Mainland and Setiu Wetland State Park to ECERDC
2. Committee Member, Development of Mussel Culture Project in ZIA, Sebatu Melaka,
Fisheries Department of Malaysia
3. Scientific Steering Committee of National Program on Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB),
National Oceanographic Directorate, MOSTI.

Dr. Mhd Ikhwanuddin Abdullah
1. Develop Standard Malaysia (MS) related to fisheries and aquaculture sector – Fisheries
and aquaculture industries / SIRIM Berhad (Representative)
2. Aquaculture project development in Terengganu – Farmers and fishermen / Department
of Fisheries (Technical Member)
3. Aquaculture project development in Sarawak – Local fishermen / Lembaga Kemajuan
Tanah Sarawak(Advisor)
50