Mohamad Affzan Shah Bin AB Jabal, Hairul Rizad Bin Md Sapry & Chiam Chooi Chea*
* Mohamad Affzan Shah Bin AB Jabal
Faculty of Business and Management, Open University Malaysia
Selangor, Malaysia
Email: chan.tj@klust.edu.my
* Hairul Rizad Bin Md Sapry
Industrial Logistics, Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur
Johor, Malaysia
Email: hairulrizad@unikl.edu.my
* * Chiam Chooi Chea
Faculty of Business and Management, Open University Malaysia
Selangor, Malaysia
Email: chooi_chea@oum.edu.my
Abstract
Aquaculture is a key contributor to Malaysia’s food security, economic growth but farmers face significant
challenges in securing financial support. This study evaluates how business characteristics and financial services
influence the success of microfinance applications among aquaculture farmers in Malaysia. A total of 266
aquaculture farmers (respondents) were collected. This study examines the factors that can affect the success of
securing financial loans among aquaculture farmers in Malaysia. Results indicated that microfinance services
particularly loans, savings, and insurance significantly enhance entrepreneurial success and client well-being
when aligned with the sector’s operational realities. Business characteristics such as experience, technology
adoption, and production capacity emerged as strong predictors of success.
Keyword: Business Characteristics, Assess to Financial Services, Financial Literacy, Business Management Skills, Microfinance, Aquaculture, Clients’ Wellbeing
004CH