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At that time, Fisheries Department of British-Malaya had two main branches, administration and research. Various stations were set up along the Peninsular, such as in Kuala Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Lumut, Kuala Besar, Port Swettenham, Port Dickson, Melaka, Muar, Mersing, Pekan, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Tumpat.
In the 1930's, a probationary Station breeding for fries of freshwater fishes, set up in Tapah marked a beginning of study and research on freshwater fishes.
After the first World War, demand for fish increased, in tandem with the increase in population, fisheries activities became a job and main income for rural community.
After the Second World War (1945-1957)
In early 1946, the Fisheries Department of British Malaya changed its name and entity into The Fisheries Department of the Malayan Union and Singapore , and Mr. D.W.LeMare became the Acting Director based in Singapore. Later, in 1947, its headquarters moved to Penang where it began the policy of development of fishery industries which encompassed on setting up of fisheries training schools and research. A branch for research, spearheading research on freshwater fishes was set up in Penang. Alongside, the Department did studies on pelagic fisheries. The mode of fishing methods at that time were "Kelongs", "Jermal" and "Ambai"
In 1951, the Fisheries Department of the Federated Malay States and Singapore were divided into the Fisheries Department of Singapore and the Fisheries Department of Pan Malaya, under the leadership of D.W. LeMare. The Fisheries Act of Malaya. Fishery Vessel, M.F.V. Manihine carried out Fishery survey using trawl nets and payang net in 1953. In the field of training, a training school for marine fishes was set up in Gelugor, Penang in 1955.
After Independence (1957-1970)
In the wake of independence, the Fisheries Department of Malaya was known as the Division of Fisheries of the Federated Malay States and was put under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. J.S. Scott became the Acting Director, and later the post duly given to a Malaysian, Mr. Soong Min Kong. The aquacultural sector stepped up its development through research and training.
Freshwater fisheries should be expanded as rapidly as techniques can be effectively introduced in the inland areas. The fisheries Department pursued this matter quite enthusiastically as evidenced by the formation of the Division of Expansion (Pengembangan) and the setting up of the Freshwater Fisheries Centre in Batu Berendam, Melaka in 1957. Various other developments were also spearheaded to progress further. In the same year, a Training Centre for Inland Fisheries was established in Enggor, Perak, creating effort to start breeding freshwater fishes and as a stepping stone for aquaculture.
Culture of freshwater prawn started in the 60's to offset the fishing of this species from their natural surroundings of rivers and streams
In the early sixties, from a Report carried out for Nutrition Survey of the Federation of Malaya by a team of American Experts in various fields such as Doctors, Dentists, Chemists and Food Specialists among others, recommended, besides other measures, fishing was to be expanded, since this offered the greatest opportunity for increasing the supply of high quality protein for the population. The deep-sea fishing subsequently became important and have potential. However, it requires considerable investment in ships and supporting facilities. Equally important is an educational programme in fishing and fishing technology, as advocated by the Fisheries Department, in order to provide the skilled personnel to operate the ships and facilities.
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