PRICIER ‘KEROPOK LEKOR’, ‘KEROPOK KEPING’ THIS RAYA
Increased demand for fish, fish-based products has pushed up prices of fish crackers, says dept
THE prices of Terengganu’s popular fish-based snacks, keropok lekor and keropok keping, may see an increase this Hari Raya Aidilfitri following the rise in the demand for fish this year.
State Fisheries Department said the increased demand for fish and fish-based products had pushed up the prices of all marine products since last month.
This was despite the fact that the state recording 12,834 metric tonnes of marine catch in the first four months of this year, an increase of 3.62 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.
State Fisheries Department director Zawawi Ali said the assorted small fish usually bought by keropok manufacturers currently cost RM2.50 a kilogramme, compared with RM1.50 previously.
“Fishermen still make a profit, but less. Small fish is the main ingredient of keropok, and any price increase will reduce profit margins.
“We expect to see the price hike in marine catch to continue until the end of Ramadan, or after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations,” he told the New Straits Times.
Zawawi said fishermen were forced to source for frozen fish from Endau in Johor and other areas to meet the increased demand.
He said fish were not controlled items and the department did not have any authority to dictate their prices.
“Our job is to ensure there is an abundant supply of fish in the market.
“The high prices caused by the seasonal high demand is beyond our control.”
Keropok seller Shahrul Mohamad said he used ikan selayang and ikan tamban to produce his snacks.
“Some producers may increase the prices of their keropok while others may use less amount of fish (to cut cost).
“As my brand is already established in the market, I cannot compromise on quality.
“I earn less by maintaining both my ingredients and prices. After all, the price hike is only seasonal.”