Price of kembung soars, laksa makers in dilemma

Local laksa and laksam makers are in a fix over the soaring price of the mackerel fish, also known as ikan kembung or temenung, which is now RM22 a kilogramme.

Many traders fear that if this goes on, they would have to 'close shop' as they can no long bear the rising costs.

The price of the fish in Kedah had risen from RM12 to RM22 a kilogramme since a month ago due to weather conditions.

However, chairman of the Kuala Kedah Fishermen's Association, Abdul Hamid Bahari said this price increase is expected to be temporary and would return to normal within a few weeks.

"Previously, the seas were very choppy, but the situation will recover when the monsoon season ends," he said.

-- BERNAMA