KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has launched the "Ikan Rakyat" programme to provide affordable fish to the people, especially lower-income groups in the state’s rural and interior areas.
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the initiative was a proactive step to get sufficient quality fish supply to the target groups.
Kitingan, who is the state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister, said that “Ikan Rakyat” was aimed at helping the lower income groups have better accessibility to affordable fish species.
"As we all know, fish production in Sabah has exceeded the 100% Self-Sufficient Level (SSL).
"But there are still many of our people, especially in the interior, who are still unable to enjoy our fish. If anything, the price has doubled and the quality is not at a satisfactory level,” he said at the launching of the programme under Sabah Fish Marketing (SAFMA) at the city's Padang Merdeka here on Sunday night (Sept 1).
Kitingan said the Ikan Rakyat programme was implemented for several reasons with the main aim to reduce cost to consumers by offering the people's choice of fish at a reasonable price.
"We are targeting rural residents who find it difficult to get fish supplies while also helping stabilise the supply and price of fish, especially during off-season periods," he said.
"This programme will also create business opportunities for new entrepreneurs to venture into the fishing industry and increase their income based on high sales volume.
He said the programme is targeting rural Tambunan, Keningau, Ranau and other districts where it is difficult to get fish supply.
“It is hoped that with such efforts, the people in the interior will have a choice in obtaining healthy nutrition, especially protein, in their daily meals,” he added.
