That was more than 20 years ago. Today, the 70-year-old is the proud owner of Bintong Arowana Farm, where about 300 ponds occupy over 13ha of land in Bukit Merah, near Gunung Semanggol in Perak.
“When my first arowana venture in Perlis failed, it was not the end for me,” he told Bernama, explaining that the pH level of the water he used had not been suitable for breeding the fish.
“After studying various factors, I found that the pH level of the water and the rocks in Bukit Merah here make it one of the best places in the country to breed arowana.”
Arowana, whose scientific name is “Scleropages aureus”, is an ornamental freshwater fish species sought for its majestic appearance.
Unlike Adzmi’s land in Perlis which is limestone-based, Bukit Merah has granite rocks and water with a pH level of 6-7 – optimal conditions for breeding arowana as it most resembles the fish’s natural habitat.
Optimal water conditions allow for the production of top-quality, highly priced arowana, including the Albino Super Red species, which carries a price tag of RM80,000 each.
Adzmi – the former manager of the Perlis football team that, between 2000 and 2007, twice won the Malaysia Cup and the Super League Cup – used to export 30,000 arowana fish to China, Japan and Europe. That was before the market downturn circa 2016.
He said China was his largest market as the fish is regarded as a symbol of luck and prosperity there.
Commenting on the fluctuating prices of arowana, Adzmi said previously, even ordinary species could be sold for up to RM600 each. But now it hovers at around RM60 to RM150 per fish.
“The Golden Albino species still fetches between RM12,000 and RM15,000, but the market is no longer as vibrant as before,” he added, noting that factors for the drop in price include increased competition in local and international markets.
For Adzmi, the male arowana is particularly unique as it can “fast” for up to two months to protect the eggs and young in its mouth.
“It’s like a hen incubating its eggs, except the male arowana keeps the young in its mouth. When the female releases the eggs, the male takes them and keeps them in its mouth for 50-60 days.
“During that time, it does not eat at all, but can still survive,” he said.
He added that if the male becomes too hungry, it releases the young temporarily, while the female guards the surrounding area.
Asked about his future plans, Adzmi – a father of six – said he is ready to pass down the business to his children. In fact, his youngest son works with him on the farm as a co-manager.
“I believe as long as Bukit Merah exists, the arowana industry will continue to thrive because it has the most suitable habitat for the world’s most beautiful fish species,” Adzmi concluded.