The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry has readied a plan to tackle any setback should fish traders continue with threats to stop fish imports in the wake of the ruling requiring them to use food grade insulated fish boxes.

Minister Noh Omar said the plan would be announced tomorrow after a meeting with importers of fish from Thailand.

At the moment, the ministry had set up a committee to monitor any shortage in the supply should the boycott proceed, he said.

"We have Plan B if they go ahead with the threats," he told reporters after meeting fish traders in Putrajaya today.

There are about 22 fish traders importing fish from Indonesia and another 466 from Thailand.

He stressed that the government was sticking to the ruling, which took effect today, despite protest from importers.

"Consumers are advised not to be unduly worried as the boycott will only involve fish importers and not local fishermen," he said, adding that an increase in fish prices was unlikely as the government was providing a subsidy of RM60 for each insulated box.

The price for the old box was RM135 while for the insulated box of 100kg in capacity was RM205 per unit, he said.

"After the subsidy, the price is RM145 per unit."

Noh dismissed claims that the supply for the box was monopolised by one company.

He said that for a start, importers could buy the box from four companies.

"After May, they can buy the box from suppliers of their choice," he said.

- Bernama