The government plans to bring cheaper fish from Sabah to Peninsular Malaysia to reduce prices of popular staples like mackerel and scad.
KLANG: The government is formulating measures to ensure people in Peninsular Malaysia can enjoy cheaper ‘people’s fish’. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said his ministry is exploring ways to bring fish from Sabah.
Fish such as kembung (mackerel), selar (yellowstripe scad) and sembilang (striped eel catfish) are sold at lower prices in Sabah compared to the peninsula. The initiative aims to make these staples more affordable in western states.
It also seeks to boost the economy of local fishermen in Sabah. “I noticed earlier that some of the items sold were priced slightly on the high side, but we will look for ways to make them cheaper, especially daily food items such as fish and the like,” Mohamad said.
He made these remarks after inspecting the national-level MADANI Semarak Ramadan Programme at Pasar Tani Taman Sri Andalas. He acknowledged that implementing the plan would require time and logistical preparation.
Facilities need to be prepared and discussions held with airlines and other logistics providers. Intensive discussions are also underway with the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) to realise the plan.
On the Ramadan programme, Mohamad said it involves 680 locations at farmers’ markets nationwide until Feb 18. It features the participation of 10,600 entrepreneurs with a target total sales value of RM50 million.
