Happy to eat boxed fish during monsoon
KUALA TERENGGANU: When the monsoon sets in, fish-loving Terengganu folk often switch to boxed fish, which is the local term for frozen fish either caught locally or imported.
Housewife Shidah Abu Bakar, 51, said although boxed fish was not as “sweet and juicy” as fresh ones, it was the best choice during the monsoon or whenever there was a sharp increase in price.
“During the monsoon, fishermen dare not go out to sea because the big waves are dangerous. This causes the price of fish to increase.
“In the old days during the monsoon, we ate dried or salted fish, but technology now allows us to enjoy frozen fish.
“For me, it is better because the nutrients are still high although they’re not comparable to fresh fish.”
For Khadijah Ahmad, 49, there is nothing wrong with eating boxed fish during the monsoon because her family does not have allergies or health issues, even though frozen fish does not taste as good as fresh fish.
“Only buy what you can afford. For me, it is necessary to consider nutrition and price.
“After all, honest traders will tell us which fish is fresh and which one is boxed to help us decide before buying,” she said.
Rosmini Zakaria, 53, buys boxed fish only when the family, especially the children, were tired of eating chicken, eggs, tinned sardines or meat during the monsoon.
“My husband and I prefer to go fishing in a nearby creek to get fresh fish, but sometimes, the children also want sea fish, such as kembung and selar.
“We avoid boxed fish whenever possible because we are worried about the use of preservatives, which may affect our health.”
Terengganu Health director Datuk Dr Kasemani Embong said her department monitored boxed fish and had not detected any use of boric acid or formaldehyde to preserve the fish.
“Freezing can extend the shelf life of fish and meat, without the need for chemical preservatives.”