GEORGE TOWN – The rising price of Indian mackerel, once known as the “poor man’s fish”, has renewed calls for concerted efforts to expand the country’s aquaculture industry to meet consumer demand.
Penang Northeast Consumers Affair Movement chairman Mohamed Nasir Mohideen told The Vibes Malaysia has always imported Indian mackerel as the local catch is insufficient.
“As far as I know – being in the seafood supply business for 20 years – we have always imported Indian mackerel because our catch is not enough. That is why I urge the government to look into engaging entrepreneurs in aquaculture in an effort to produce enough food for locals.”
He said these are among business opportunities for local entrepreneurs to tap into.
On whether Malaysia’s fish export is one of the causes for the inadequate supply, he said: “I don’t think export is an issue here as there are stringent requirements to fulfil before seafood can be exported.”
“However, what is not exported is not enough for us and that is why we need to import to meet demand. This is also why we need more entrepreneurs, those still in university, those who own land, to venture into aquaculture.
“The government should look into this because I am sure they have the grants, but not enough for people to come forward. The government should start encouraging it. Because when the government supports us Malaysians, we will be able to feed the whole of Malaysia.”
Meanwhile, Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) yesterday cited Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) CEO Iskandar Ismail as saying middlemen have left the country no choice but to import Indian mackerel from China, Yemen and Pakistan as well as frozen ones from the Middle East and Singapore.
The association also said Indian mackerel is priced between RM18 and RM22 per kg.
CAP had expressed concern that this practice would affect the local food supply, calling on the relevant authorities to investigate the issue of middlemen and the importing of fish that can be caught locally. – The Vibes, April 8, 2021
