The National Fish Health Research Center (NaFisH), under the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI), is strategically located in Batu Maung, Penang, and serves as Malaysia’s leading research center for aquatic animal health. Prior to the establishment of its dedicated facility in 2002, fish health research activities were conducted by the Fish Health Unit under the Aquaculture Branch of FRI.

The development of a purpose-built research facility, coupled with the expansion of human resources, has enabled NaFisH to significantly strengthen its research and development (R&D) capabilities in aquatic animal health management. The Centre’s research activities encompass a wide range of disciplines, including fish disease epidemiology, development of diagnostic kits and vaccines, antimicrobial resistance studies, and the exploration of alternative treatments for aquaculture diseases.

Over the years, NaFisH has received continuous support through research and development allocations under the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Malaysia Plans, as well as competitive research grants from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), including the IRPA and e-Science Fund programmes. The Centre has also benefited from international research collaborations and funding support from organizations such as the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) especially in the early years of its establishment.

At present, NaFisH is staffed by seven (7) research officers and supported by eleven (11) technical personnel, including two (2) contract staff appointed under the Malaysia Short-Term Employment Programme (MySTEP). Despite its lean workforce, the Centre continues to deliver impactful research outcomes through strategic partnerships and multidisciplinary collaborations by maintains strong research networks with local universities, including International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). The Centre also collaborates with government-linked institutions such as the National Institute of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM), international organizations including WorldFish, and key stakeholders from the aquaculture industry.

Through these collaborative efforts, NaFisH continues to enhance scientific knowledge, strengthen technical expertise, and drive innovation in aquatic animal health management. The Centre remains committed to supporting the sustainable development of Malaysia’s aquaculture sector by providing scientific solutions, diagnostic services, and evidence-based research for the industry and the nation