BUKIT GANTANG: Fish supply at the market is adequate even though fish landings have reduced by 10% during MCO 3.0, says Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) chairman Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal.He said the lack of landings was due to a shortage of boat crew as they could not be brought into the country.
“Deep-sea activities need a skipper and crew comprising foreign nationals because locals are not keen to work due to the required long period at sea.
“However, the lack of fish landings can be covered by local fishermen.
“LKIM also has stocks of frozen fish kept by companies that can help cover the shortage of fish supply in the market, ” he said at a press conference at the Bukit Gantang constituency service centre here yesterday.
Syed Abu Hussin, who is Bukit Gantang MP, said LKIM was prepared to ask any of the companies to release the stocks whenever needed.
Asked about deep-sea activities, he said issues with documentation and procedures in foreign countries made it impossible for crew members to be brought in to work in the sector during the MCO.
“LKIM has received approval from the Immigration Department to bring in crew members from Thailand and Vietnam to work in the deep sea, ” he said.
Syed Abu Hussin said LKIM was ready to help the companies to bring in foreign workers by land but they must have a travel pass to enter the country. — Bernama
