SHAH ALAM: Exports of selected fish have been temporarily halted as a precautionary measure in preparation for the monsoon season.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the ministry had issued instructions to temporarily halt exports of ikan kembung, ikan selayang, and ikan cencaru to ensure an adequate supply for local needs during the monsoon season. The decision will affect exports to Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
“Malaysia normally exports about 30 per cent of its catch of these selected fish. This ban will be in effect until the monsoon season is over.
“If the fish supply runs low, we are prepared to import from overseas,” he said after launching a book titled 100 Birds of National Botanic Gardens Shah Alam at Taman Botani Negara here yesterday.
On the supply of vegetables during the rainy season, Ismail said the public need not worry, as the stock of vegetables was enough to cater to local demand.
He said the mud floods in Cameron Highlands had not affected supply, as the farms that were inundated were illegal.
“Only some parts of Cameron Highlands are affected. These are not included in our considerations and calculations, so we do not have statistics of the amount of produce they yield.”
He said even if the amount of produce from these illegal farms was not considered, the country still had enough vegetables for local use.