Five states to get frozen fish storage facilities
BUKIT GANTANG: The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) is in the process of constructing five frozen fish storage facilities, costing RM25mil, to help in the marketing and distribution of fish to overcome excess supply.
LKIM chairman Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Syed Abdul Fasal said the projects were located in Kuala Besut, Terengganu, Kuantan, Pahang, Lumut, Perak, Kuala Kedah, Kedah and Sandakan, Sabah.
He said the projects were expected to be completed in May next year with each facility having a capacity of 10,000 tonnes of fish.
Syed Abu Hussin, who is also Bukit Gantang MP, said fish landed by fishermen were often sold at RM1 to RM2 per kilo when there was excessive supply as compared to RM5 to RM6 per kilo in the market.
‘’Fish dumping will not take place when the frozen fish storage facilities are operational, in addition to ongoing efforts of LKIM and fishermen’s associations,’’ he said after attending the mobile shop programme in Taman Mewah, Kamunting, near here yesterday.
Syed Abu Hussin said LKIM was also helping the fishermen to market their catch by buying the fish and marketing them at its fishermen’s markets nationwide.
He said 87 fishermen’s associations were involved in distributing and marketing the fishermen’s catch as well.
In another development, he said the mobile shop initiative, which was created 10 years ago, was being empowered to help residents in rural areas who were affected by the recovery movement control order, shrinking economy and limited job opportunities.
Syed Abu Hussin said six mobile outlets would be stationed at different locations every month, offering essential items so people would not have to go far.
Through the initiative, he said LKIM would buy goods on a wholesale basis and sell them to residents at retail prices with a 30% discount.
‘’This will help ease the cost of living by offsetting high prices of essential items due to transportation costs.
‘’Bukit Gantang is a rural area, comprising 70% villagers and 30% government servants and private sector employees,’’ he said.
Syed Abu Hussin also gave away a tonne of kembong, which was purchased from Kuala Selangor, to 500 residents of Taman Mewah.