The threat posed by pirates to fishermen especially on the west coast is among the reasons for the lessening 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 in Kota Baru last night.

He admitted the market price of fish has increased slightly and is difficult to contain as fish is not a 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 percent of the fish supply from Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Other factors contributing to the shortage include 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 up operations and is confident of tackling the problem.

On the 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.

- Bernama