PARIT BUNTAR, June 10: Plans are underway to channel surplus fish from Sabah to Peninsula Malaysia in a bid to stabilise prices and ensure a steady supply for local consumers.
Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the initiative, coordinated with the National Fishermen’s Association (NEKMAT) and Sabah fishermen’s groups, is being revived after a pause since 2019.
“There is currently an oversupply of fish in Sabah, which has pushed prices down. Transferring this supply to the Peninsula will optimise resources and balance the market,” he said at the Rahmah Mesra MADANI Programme in Kampung Sungai Betul Bawah Tanjung today.
Among the species identified for transfer are mackerel and small-sized fish — the main catch of Sabah’s coastal fishermen. The programme, however, remains at the planning stage pending reviews of logistics and transportation costs.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu had earlier announced that the ministry was considering moving fish from Sabah to the Peninsula to curb rising seafood prices.
Muhammad Faiz assured that the domestic supply remains sufficient despite a slight dip in national fish production, following reduced operations by some deep-sea vessels in Zone C2 due to diesel subsidy issues. “Exports may be affected, but priority is given to the domestic market,” he said.
LKIM and the ministry have submitted a proposal for C2 vessel operators to be considered for diesel subsidies, though the matter is still under government review.