According to fishermen’s associations, prices of fishes and prawns have increased by 20-30% in anticipation of Chinese New Year, although they are still cheaper than last year.
Lee Chu Soi, deputy president of the Malaysia Fish Industries General Association, stated that the price of pomfrets, a popular item during the festival, has risen from RM80 to over RM130 per kg. On the other hand, last year, Chinese pomfret was priced at RM160 per kg.
Additionally, the price of groupers weighing over a kilogram has also increased, from about RM48 to RM52 per kg, while the price of grade AA Ming prawns has gone up from RM75 to RM90 per kg.
Datuk Chia Choon Theng, president of the Sekinchan Fishermen and Fish Traders Welfare Association, mentioned that their Ming prawns are now priced at between RM75 and RM80 per kg this year, lower than the RM90 per kg last year. He also noted that consumers have been stocking up on seafood in advance to avoid price hikes during the Chinese New Year.
According to Kuala Lumpur Hoi Seong Fish Wholesalers Association president Sing Kian Hock, despite lower catch during the monsoon season, resulting in a slight price increase, consumers are expected to be cautious in their seafood purchases. He also mentioned that many consumers have started buying seafood online or directly from fishermen, leading to a decline in business for markets and wholesalers. This has caused fish traders in markets and wholesale markets to see a 60% reduction in customers.
Furthermore, 60% of the country’s supply was imported while the other 40% came from local fishermen.
Grace Kow, a consumer, reportedly emptied two refrigerators in her house to make room for the New Year feast. To prepare for the reunion dinner, she usually buys seafood, including groupers, Chinese pomfret, Ming prawns, and crabs every year. This year, her total purchase cost about RM1,000.
