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KOTA KINABALU: The Ikan Rakyat programme has been launched in Sabah to provide affordable fish to the people, especially in the rural and interior areas.
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the initiative is a proactive step to ensure a sufficient supply of quality fish for the lower-income group.
“As we all know, fish production in Sabah has exceeded the 100% self-sufficiency level. But there are still many of our people, especially in the interior, who are unable to enjoy our fish.
“If anything, the price has doubled while the quality is not at a satisfactory level,” he said at the launch of the programme at the city’s Padang Merdeka here on Sunday.
Kitingan, who is also state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister, said Ikan Rakyat would help stabilise the supply and price of fish, especially during non-season periods.
“This programme will also create business opportunities for new entrepreneurs to venture into the fishing field and increase their income based on high sales volume,” he said, adding that they were targeting rural Tambunan, Keningau, Ranau, and other districts where it is difficult to get fish.
On another front, experts and local officials want new systems and regulations to deal with Sabah’s deteriorating river conditions.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said they expressed their concerns during a one-day workshop here yesterday.
The event organised by the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry through the Environment Protection Department, aims at developing a clear and comprehensive roadmap for managing rivers in Sabah.
