Seafood Prices Unchanged In Terengganu Amid SST Expansion

KUALA TERENGGANU, July 4 (Bernama) --  Amid public concern over the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST), fish traders in Terengganu have been praised for their responsible stance in keeping prices stable, reaffirming that fresh seafood is not subject to the tax.

A fish seller at Pasar Payang 1, Abdul Mubin Mohd, 59, said there has been no price increase for various types of fish, including ikan selayang, kerisi, kembung, tenggiri, merah, jenahak, and selar.

“The prices remain unchanged as seafood is not affected by the SST. Our buying price from fishermen is the same, so we continue selling at normal rates,” he told Bernama.

Currently, ikan selayang are sold at RM10 per kilogram (kg), ikan selar at RM12/kg, kembung at RM18/kg, ikan kerisi at RM16/kg, and tenggiri at RM35/kg.

“There’s no reason to take advantage of the situation. To my knowledge, fish and seafood are not included in the SST expansion,” he added.

Another fish trader, Muhammad Syawal Aluwi Ishak, 40, echoed the sentiment, saying traders are guided by consumer laws and ethical practices.

“In today’s competitive environment, we cannot think about profit alone. We also need to protect the interests of our customers.

“We won’t raise prices for fish or other seafood like squid, prawns or crabs without justification. So far, there’s been no change in prices, and buyers have not voiced any complaints,” he said.

Meanwhile, restaurant operator Mawarni Mohamad, 51, from Gong Badak, Kuala Nerus, said she was grateful that prices for seafood and vegetables remain stable, allowing her to maintain food prices at her eatery.

“Alhamdulillah, prices have not changed. This allows us to continue offering affordable meals to our customers.

“With the current state of the economy, any price hike might push customers away. I’d rather make a small profit and keep them happy so they return,” she said.

-- BERNAMA