Fewer fishermen going out to sea
GEORGE TOWN: It is a double whammy for fishmongers here with less fish and no customers.
Fewer fishermen are at sea and deep-sea fishing is a no-go due to the haze, which has reduced visibility.
Many fearing health risks have opted to stay indoors following warning from the authorities. It has resulted in fewer people buying fish and other supplies at wet markets.
Fishmonger Chan Kok Seng, 41, said he used to get about 70 customers daily.
“My customers would buy fish and prawns from me. But business has been slow these past few days,” he said when met at Chowrasta Market in Penang Road here yesterday.
Another fishmonger, Teoh Siang Hock, 60, said he had been obtaining his supply from fish farms as fewer fishermen were going out to sea.
“And most of us here are seeing a huge drop in business as fewer customers are coming to the market due to the haze,” he said.
Teoh also said he had reduced the prices of fish like seabass and grouper to between RM10 and RM15 per kg but there were no takers.
“About 70% of my daily supply of fish, prawns and squid would normally be sold by 10am but in the last three days, I only had about 20 customers daily.
“Several restaurants that buy seafood from me have also reduced their prices due to a drop in customers at their outlets,” he added.
Another trader, Yasin Haja Moideen, 50, said he had not been receiving some of his supplies and had to make do with only five types of fish in the past two days.
“I receive my supplies from the mainland but the wholesaler has not been able to send the usual amount,” he added.
Meanwhile, Penang Fishermen’s Association chairman Nazri Ahmad said 90% of the fishermen had not been going out to the sea in the last three days.
“We are not taking risks as accidents could occur due to poor visibility. Boats may hit other boats or huge rocks, which can’t be seen in this weather.
“The fishermen’s daily income will be affected but we have to bear this and not risk our lives,” he said.