PIRATE THREAT AMONG CAUSES OF LESS FISH SUPPLY IN MALAYSIA'S WEST COAST

KOTA BAHARU, Aug 22 (Bernama) - The threat posed by pirates to fishermen
especially on the west coast is among reasons for the less supply of fish, said
Fisheries Development Authority director-general Mohd Khazin Hamzah.

"However, consumers need not worry as supply of fresh fish during the
festive season is adequate," he told reporters here Sunday night.

He admitted the market price of fish has increased slightly and is difficult
to contain as fish is not s price controlled item except for 'ikan kembung'.

"Ikan kembung can't be sold at more than RM10 per kg while other fish are
not price controlled items."

To overcome the problem, Khazin said they imported 40 per cent fish supply
from Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.


Other factors contributing to the shortage is the export of grade A fish
to Singapore due to high demand and good price offered.

He said to overcome the threat of piracy, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement
Agency (MMEA) is stepping operation and confident of tackling the problem.

On shortage of fish on the east coast, Khazin said it was insignificant due
to the import of fish from Thailand.

He said demand for fish is low during the festive season because consumers
prefer to buy chicken and beef.