Even the ‘ikan kembung’ is fast vanishing

Workers unloading the seafood food after return from deep sea at Dee Sin Enterprise in Pulau Ketam.— KK SHAM/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Previously abundant in Malaysian waters, many fish species including the ubiquitous ikan kembung have declined in numbers.

Malaysia Fish Industries General Association president Chia Tian Hee He said climate change is increasingly impacting the ecological balance of marine life.

“The ikan kembung was scarcely found in the sea seven to eight years ago, leading some to believe it had gone extinct. However, in 2022, there was a sudden resurgence of the fish, although smaller in size and weight.

He explained that in recent years, climate change has caused an increase in seawater temperature, affecting the growth of plankton, the primary food source for fish.

Chia said human activities have also contributed to the decline in marine resources and hoped that the Department of Fisheries (DoF) would pay attention to these issues.

“We have sent a letter to the DoF, hoping that the relevant authorities can consider our recommendations,” he added.

Kuala Lumpur Hoi Seong Fish Wholesalers Association president Sing Kian Hock said falling seafood catches in Malaysian waters have become a problem.

Yet, the high cost of living situation has, however, triggered a significant dip in the local appetite for seafood. He noted that it had resulted in an unusual situation which flooded the market with excess fish.

Traditionally, the fishing season usually peaks from September to December, particularly for ikan rakyat varieties such as ikan mabung, ikan selar, ikan pelaling, ikan selayang, ikan kerisi and ikan cencaru.

“In the past, fishmongers would purchase 100kg of fish in the wholesale market. However, nowadays, they struggle to sell even 50kg, leading to a decline in the fishmonger business nationwide.

“This situation arises from an imbalance between supply and demand as some working individuals have reduced their dining out habits, and restaurants are procuring less seafood from fishmongers,” he added.

“With people cutting back on dining out and restaurants ordering less seafood, the supply-demand equilibrium has become skewed.”

Despite the current market conditions, Sing said the declining fish supply, particularly ikan kembung, would require the government’s intervention.

He suggested initiating short-term fishing prohibitions in certain marine regions to enable fish populations to recover.

“The ban might include a three-month prohibition in Penang waters, followed by a similar restriction in Perak, providing fish with a growth window before they are captured,” he added.

Echoing the concerns, Pahang Deep Sea Association chairman Mohd Yusery Mohd Yusoff said the government must intervene in resolving the issue.

He pointed out that the decline of ikan kembung has been attributed to climate factors, leading to a 60% to 70% reduction in catches.

As a result, prices for ikan kembung have risen significantly.

Other fish species, such as ikan selar, have also experienced a 30% decrease in supply.