IPOH: The white pomfret (bawal putih), much sought-after for Chinese New Year feasts, is “missing” from stalls at Ipoh Central Market.
Traders cite soaring prices, saying it is not viable to sell the fish at the government’s price ceiling.
They said the supply price has risen to about RM65 per kg, well above the RM42 ceiling, forcing them to skip stocking the fish this festive season.
Fish trader Rosni Abdullah, 68, said the price of white pomfret typically spikes during Chinese New Year.
She said with their purchase price exceeding RM60 per kg, many traders chose not to sell the white pomfret this festive season.
“The bawal emas (golden pomfret), priced at about RM32 per kg, is a more affordable option,” said Rosni, who has been trading at the market over the past 28 years.
Another trader who only wished to be known as Lee, 68, said selling white pomfret is currently not worthwhile.
“The maximum price fishmongers are allowed to sell is RM42 per kg, far below the current wholesale price, making it unprofitable to stock the white pomfret this festive season.
“Some customers purchased it earlier when prices were not that high, and they kept it in the freezer,” she said.
Trader Tan, 56, said, “I’d rather not get into trouble with the authorities. Supply prices are high, and to sell it at a lower price does not make sense.”
State domestic trade, cooperatives, consumer affairs and Chinese new villages committee chairman Woo Kah Leong, however, said there was sufficient supply of the fish at major retail outlets.
“In fact, just this week, I visited several retail outlets, and the white pomfret was available there. I am confident that they will sell it in accordance with the maximum price ceiling set by the government,” he told reporters after launching Perak Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s Chinese New Year Maximum Price Scheme at Ipoh Central Market yesterday.
Woo said consumers could opt for other reasonably priced fish if white pomfret was not available at wet markets.
He said the wholesale price for white pomfret was RM39, with a retail ceiling price of RM42.
On why the fish was not being sold at certain markets, he said traders have the right to decide whether to sell a particular item.
“We cannot force traders to absorb losses. Consumers too have the right to look for cheaper options elsewhere. Supply is sufficient this year, not only for Chinese New Year but also for Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he said.
