Sabah Supply To Lower ‘People’s Fish’ Prices - Mohamad

KLANG, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- The government is formulating measures to ensure that people in Peninsular Malaysia can enjoy the so-called “people’s fish” at lower prices, said Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

He said his ministry is looking at ways to bring fish such as kembung (mackerel), selar (yellowstripe scad) and sembilang (striped eel catfish) from Sabah, which are sold at lower prices compared with the market in the peninsula, particularly in Sandakan and Tawau.

He said the move is not only aimed at ensuring the fish can be marketed in Peninsular Malaysia at more affordable prices, but also at helping 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. I also saw that vegetable prices were at a moderate level.

“This will take a bit of time because we need to prepare the facilities and hold discussions with airlines and others for the (logistics) work,” he said when met after inspecting the national-level MADANI Semarak Ramadan Programme @ Pasar Tani Taman Sri Andalas here today.

Mohamad said intensive discussions are also being held with the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority to realise the plan. 

On today’s programme, he said it involves 680 locations at farmers’ markets nationwide until Feb 18, with the participation of 10,600 entrepreneurs and a target total sales value of RM50 million.

-- BERNAMA