Kedahans are alarmed that the price of mackerel has increased sharply from RM3 to RM10 per kilogramme and even RM12 per kg in some areas, over the past month, believed to be due to insufficient supply of fish in the market.

A trader, Ali Harun, 43, said the increase was a result of the prevailing unstable weather which prevented fishermen from going out to sea, thus reducing supply of mackerel in the market.

Ali, who pliess his trade at the Alor Setar Market here and gets his fish supply from Kuala Kedah,  said previously he could get 500kg of the fish per day but now he only obtained 60kg per day.

“The fish’s price from the wholesaler now is RM8.50 per kg which forces us to sell at RM10 per kg. Our profit has dropped unlike in the past as customers are refusing to buy the fish in large quantities although mackerel is their main sea food,” he said when met at the market today.

Meanwhile, Mohd Khir Hamid, 48, who often buys mackerel at the market, said he was surprised by the sharp price increase as the fish is the preferred choice of the public, especially those with lower income and poor families.

“I hoped the relevant authorities will take immediate steps to ensure that mackerel supply in the state is sufficient to avoid a high increase in the rice of the fish in the near future,” he said.

- Bernama