A smart monitoring system powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), developed by students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), is proving to be a game-changer for small-scale and novice fish farmers by helping minimise the risk of aquatic livestock losses.
The innovative system was created by AquaTech Technology Enterprise, a startup founded by UTM students Wan Muhammad Azim Wan Mohamad Zaharuddin, 22, and S Sri Prasaad, 26. It allows users to monitor pond water quality in real time via a mobile application or a dedicated display screen installed near the fish pond. Having an Indian student like S Sri Prasaad play a key role in this remarkable achievement is a source of pride, highlighting the valuable contributions of Indian youth in advancing technology and innovation in Malaysia.
AquaTech’s Chief Technology Officer, Wan Muhammad Azim, shared that the system—backed by various government funding initiatives—is already being utilised at 55 kelah and tilapia ponds, mainly operated by small-scale farmers in Johor.
He explained that the system continuously monitors key water quality parameters such as oxygen levels, pH, and temperature in real time. In addition, it is equipped with automated alerts and alarms that activate during power outages to help prevent potential losses. The project was developed under the supervision of Dr. Mohd Adib Sarijari and Dr. Nor Aishah Muhammad, senior lecturers from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Wan Muhammad Azim noted that while IoT-based systems for aquaculture have been introduced in Malaysia, their adoption and commercial use remain limited. Many farmers still depend on conventional methods to monitor water quality.
“This system allows farmers to keep track of critical parameters and respond promptly—for example, by adding water when pond temperatures increase,” said the electrical engineering student. “It’s particularly beneficial for newcomers to the industry who may not yet have the experience to detect such changes manually.”
Meanwhile, AquaTech Chief Executive Officer Sri Prasaad highlighted that the IoT-based system is designed to help farmers avoid major losses while remaining easy to use, even when they are not physically present at their farms.
“For instance, if the oxygen pump stops working for just a few hours, it could lead to the death of an entire batch of fish, causing severe financial losses. This system helps prevent such incidents by sending timely alerts,” he explained.
The part-time Business Administration student added that farmers have responded positively to the system’s performance and frequently provide feedback, which helps improve its features and enables faster resolution of any issues. He further shared that AquaTech is planning to enhance the system by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), which would involve using cameras to monitor fish behaviour and assess the performance of pumps in the ponds.
“We’re also in the process of developing a more advanced automatic feeder that can be controlled remotely. This will allow farmers to schedule feeding times even when they are not at the pond,” he said.
Sri Prasaad added that AquaTech is open to partnerships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, to help bring the system to a wider market.
“We’re ready to take this technology to the next stage, and we hope this IoT-driven social innovation will support and empower new fish farmers entering the industry,” he said.
AquaTech Technology Enterprise’s smart monitoring system represents a significant step forward in modernising Malaysia’s aquaculture industry. Through the innovative efforts of UTM students Wan Muhammad Azim and S Sri Prasaad, the integration of IoT—and soon, AI—offers practical, real-world solutions to challenges faced by small-scale and emerging fish farmers. With its ability to monitor water conditions in real time, issue timely alerts, and soon automate feeding and behavioural tracking, the system is helping to reduce risks, cut losses, and improve operational efficiency. As AquaTech looks to expand its reach through collaborations and technological enhancements, it stands as a shining example of youth-driven innovation and the transformative potential of smart agriculture in Malaysia’s future.
Source: Bernama
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