KUALA PERLIS: Consumers are going to enjoy cheaper seafood with fishermen delivering directly to them at about 30% below market rate, thanks to a pilot project by the Fisheries Department (LKIM).
LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the department has introduced the “Mobile Fishmonger” project as part of its efforts to boost the income of fishermen while lowering the cost for consumers.
He said the pilot project provides a motorcycle, fish container and raincoat to enable fishermen to deliver their catch directly to consumers at about 30% below market price.
“Based on the concept ‘From the Fisherman to the Kitchen’, fishermen won’t have to rely on middlemen,” he told reporters attending the Rahmah Programme, Mesra Madani, here yesterday.According to Bernama, he said during the initial phase, motorcycles fitted with fish containers costing RM10,000 have been distributed to 16 fishermen’s associations nationwide.
Among the 16 fishermen’s associations involved in the pilot project are south Perlis; Kuala Muda, Yan (Kedah); south Penang; Bachok, Kota Baru (Kelantan); Besut, south Kuala Terengganu; Rompin, Pahang; Kuala Langat, Sempang (Selangor); south Melaka; Batu Pahat, Johor; Kudat Sabah; and Layar Rimbas, Sarawak.He said LKIM will also expand the programme nationwide with the opening of 136 fish markets, which will be built near fishing jetties and self-managed by the local fishing communities.
“These fish markets are an important aspect towards enhancing food security. We want to ensure that everyone, not just those near the coastal areas, but also people in cities and towns benefit from these markets.
“The price of fish will be cheaper at these markets as we will cut the supply chain cost — no more middlemen,” he said.
