LKIM urges public not to panic over rising fish prices

The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) has advised the public not to panic over the rising prices of fish during Ramadan and ahead of the Aidilfitri celebration.

LKIM chairman Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim said the department would hold a meeting with the National Fishermen's Association (Nekmat), Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and the Department of Fisheries, tomorrow, to discuss on stabilising the prices of fish, especially at farmers' markets.

"I have received feedback from fishermen, especially in the Straits of Melaka that although the weather is fine, turbulence in the sea has affected their catch.

"In terms of catches, according to (historical) data, from March until September the numbers should go up, but looking at the current atmosphere, when the fishermen are at sea, there are unpredictable strong winds," he told reporters after distributing cash allowances to 601 fishermen from the Batu Pahat Fishermen''s Association here, today.

The Kuala Selangor MP said he had also told Nekmat to be ready for price uncertainties in the market as there was also a high demand among consumers.

According to him, Nekmat currently had a stock of 50 tonnes of high quality fresh frozen fish known as 'Q'Fish' at centres in Selayang, Selangor; Kuala Besut, Terengganu; and Kuala Kedah, Kedah.

"LKIM has suggested to Nekmat and FAMA, that in addition to selling fresh fish caught in the waters of Malaysia, we should also offer frozen fresh fish caught in Malaysian waters as well as those imported from Aceh in Indonesia and Pakistan at the farmers'' markets to stabilise the prices," he said.

-- BERNAMA