GEORGE TOWN: The Fisheries Department expects a 10% decrease in fish supplies in the Peninsula’s east coast due to reduced landings during the northeast monsoon period.
Its director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said the department has taken preemptive steps to ensure the stability of fish supplies from November to March next year.
"We cannot deny that there will be reductions, but they will only affect the east coast. On the West Coast, such as in Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Perak, activities (like fishing) at sea and others can still be carried out as usual," he told reporters at the Fisheries Research Institute on Wednesday (Nov 20).
"Therefore, we expect the shortage of fish supplies on the east coast to be compensated by fish supplies on the west coast and through aquaculture activities, including marine fish such as barramundi, grouper, golden pomfret, and also our freshwater fish such as catfish, tilapia and patin."
He added that the country's overall marine fish production remains stable at around 1.2 million tonnes each year despite the monsoon.
Adnan said his team guarantees sufficient fish supplies throughout the monsoon, saying it will take steps to stabilise any retail price increases.
He said that they have also made preparations to store frozen fish to face the monsoon, and the storage serves as a buffer stock to ensure a sufficient supply of fish throughout the monsoon season.
"If we consider boat numbers, there are more numerous boats on the west coast, and we expect the production shortfall to be around 10% compared to east coast production, and it only involves November to March.
"Meanwhile, the fish buffer stock is sufficient, and there are other agencies also producing frozen fish stock, so the public need not worry because the supply will remain stable. Moreover, the Fisheries Department has been monitoring and making thorough preparations from the beginning," he said.
Meanwhile, Adnan advised fishermen of small fishing vessels not to go out to sea if the weather conditions are uncertain and to follow the weather updates from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
He said that in terms of assistance, especially for small boat fishermen affected by not being able to go out to sea, the government has provided several support measures, including living allowances to ease their burden.
"We advise fishermen to prioritise their safety and monitor weather forecasts before going out to sea, and to take advantage of this northeast monsoon period to repair fishing equipment or engage in additional activities to earn income," he added. - Bernama
