Malaysia stops fish exports to Thailand, Singapore in anticipation of shortage

SHAH ALAM: Malaysia has stopped fish exports to Thailand and Singapore from this month in anticipation of a shortage during the Monsoon season.

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the move involves several types of fish such as cencaru, selar, selayang and kembung.

Thailand and Singapore are the largest importers of fish from Malaysia.

"We have issued a directive that fish is not to be exported until the Monsoon season is over to ensure adequate supply.

"The frozen fish programme of the Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) and the National Fishermen's Association (Nekmat) will also be activated if necessary," he told reporters after launching the book 100 Birds of National Botanic Garden Shah Alam at Taman Botani Negara here, Saturday.

A total of 1,500 copies of the book were distributed free of charge to schools across the country.

Ismail also said the landslides in Cameron Highlands had not affected the supply and price of vegetables as it only supplied 15% of the country's needs.

"Moreover, the areas affected involved land cleared illegally while the operators were not registered with the Farmers Organisation Authority (LPP)," he added.

The incident in Kampung Raja, Ringlet and Bertam Valley in Cameron Highlands on Nov 5 claimed five lives and displaced 203 people from 47 families. – Bernama