Knowledge, Attitude and Perception Toward Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Among Aquaculture Farmers in Central Region of Peninsular Malaysia

Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) has been introduced as a sustainable aquaculture system that integrates fed species, such as fish or shrimp, with extractive species, such as seaweed, mussels or crabs. This system has the potential to reduce nutrient waste, improve water quality, diversify farm income and support a more resource-efficient aquaculture sector. Despite the benefits, IMTA adoption remains relatively low among aquaculture farmers in Malaysia. This study examines aquaculture farmers’ knowledge, attitude and perception toward IMTA adoption, with emphasis on farmers in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia. A quantitative survey was conducted using a questionnaire distribution between August and October 2025. A total of 66 usable responses was obtained from aquaculture farmers. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, index analysis and binary logistic regression. The findings show that farmers’ knowledge of IMTA was still limited, with 37.9% classified at the low knowledge level and 36.4% at the moderate level. Contrastingly, farmers showed a highly favourable attitude toward IMTA, with 84.8% classified at the high attitude level. Their perception was mostly moderate, indicating that farmers recognised the potential benefits of IMTA but remained cautious about practical implementation. In terms of adoption intention, 62.1% of respondents indicated that they intended to adopt IMTA. The logistic regression result further shows that attitude and perception were significant predictors of intention to adopt IMTA, while knowledge was not significant. The findings suggest that IMTA promotion in Malaysia should not only focus on knowledge only, but also on practical training, demonstration farms and clear technical support to improve farmers’ confidence in adopting the system.