BALIK PULAU, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The Fisheries Development Authority Malaysia (LKIM) has prepared nearly 1,600 metric tonnes of fish buffer stock to ensure an adequate and uninterrupted supply of fish during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL), which is expected to begin next month.
Its chairman, Muhammad Faiz Fadzil, said the preparations were also supported by cooperation with private organisations through memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to ensure that fish supplies could be maintained in the event of supply delays or shortages in the market.
“We also have more than 2,000 traders involved in the imported fish trade, which is another mechanism to help ensure a continuous fish supply throughout the period.
“Alhamdulillah, as in previous years, fish supplies have always been available, and we will maintain that momentum,” he told reporters after attending the LKIM chairman’s Rahmah Mesra MADANI with Fishermen in Teluk Bahang here today.
The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) had previously forecast three waves of rain during the Northeast Monsoon, which is expected to begin next month and last until March next year in the states along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The monsoon transition phase is expected to end at the end of this month before the rainy season begins next month.
Muhammad Faiz said the fish buffer stocks were kept at LKIM complexes equipped with cold rooms or storage rooms before being managed by the participating fishermen’s associations.
He said the fish stocks were not stored for too long to preserve their freshness and quality, and supplies would be replenished continuously as stocks were released.
“Among the associations participating in the initiative are the National Fishermen’s Association (NEKMAT), the Kuala Kedah Area Fishermen’s Association (PNK), and fishermen’s associations in Besut, Kemaman and Kuantan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Faiz said LKIM had also allocated development funds to build and repair dilapidated fish landing jetties to ensure they remained usable by fishermen. More than RM2 million had been allocated this year to build four jetties, each estimated to cost more than RM500,000.
Earlier at the event, LKIM channelled RM943,000 for three development programmes and initiatives to benefit the Teluk Bahang PNK community. Of the total, RM693,000 was allocated for living allowances for the period from January to September.
Another RM200,000 was allocated for a project to build and upgrade infrastructure at the Teluk Bahang PNK agro-tourism centre, while RM50,000 was provided under the Teluk Bahang PNK B40 Fishermen’s Productivity Enhancement programme.
A total of 31 members of the Teluk Bahang PNK also received various forms of assistance, including boat engines, fishing nets and insulated containers.
-- BERNAMA