‘Enough supply of fish’, Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority assures

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LKIM’s notice on its official Facebook page calling for support in complying with the MCO.

MIRI: Consumers are assured that there will be enough supply of fishes and other marine products during the temporarily closure of 170 Fish Landing Declaration Centres (FLDC) nationwide from March 22 (tomorrow) until March 31, 2020.

The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) deputy director-general (Management) Raja Kahalid Raja Ariffin said the closure is in line with the current Movement Control Order (MCO) enforced in the country amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The closure was also enforced following the recent decline in oil prices from March 21 to March 27, 2020, which led to lower oil prices for industries compared to that subsidised for the fishermen.

“However, the temporary closure of FLDC will not affect supply as fishermen can buy commercial oil at petrol stations at a cheaper price than subsidized oil prices,” he said in a statement today following prompts to confirm the notice of FLDC closure that had gone viral on social media.

Raja Kahalid added that over 2,412 metric tonnes of marine products worth over RM9.08 million had landed at the LKIM Fish Landing Complexes throughout Malaysia since March 17.

As for fish landing declaration during the temporary closure of FLDC, he said that fishermen did not have to come to the centre.

“The declaration can be made once the centres resume operations after March 31, 2020 or subject to changes or governmental directives from time to time.

“However, during such period fishermen need to keep all bills/receipts of sale transactions for LKIM records, Living Allowance (ESH) payments for subsidised oil and Fishing Landing Incentive,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, on its Facebook page, LKIM also issued a fishing ban or any jigging activity in the sea, effective from March 18 to 31.

“Private activities/hobbies that are not intended to provide food/market to the people are prohibited during this period. Thus the people are urged to abide by the MCO directives of staying at home and staying safe,” the statement said.