Shabery wants Nekmat to capture 50 percent of fishing industry by 2020

The National Fishermen's Association (Nekmat) is expected to capture at least 50 percent of the fishing industry and become an influential player by 2020.

Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said for this to happen, Nekmat and the Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) need to work together to increase business share from the 20 percent currently.

"They need to bring the fish handling standards to a higher level starting. this means the wholesaling, marketing and selling must be according to European Union standards," he told reporters after launching the Chain Value project of the ice factory of Kuala Perlis Fishermen's Association, here today.

Also present were State Exco for Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, Ahmad Bakri Ali and LKIM chairman Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim.

The increase in quality was necessary because countries such as Singapore would want the fish to meet the quality standards such as sanitary and safety.

Ahmad Shabery said his ministry and the Ministry of Health and other related agencies would have to meet the quality of fish products.

"This ice factory project is a good example as it ensures that the ice is clean and meet the needs of quality fish. We (ministry) have approved a RM3 million allocation to increase the production capacity of ice."

He said this would make the ice factory the sole producer of ice in Perlis and would ultimately benefit the Fishermen's Association and its members. --Bernama