GOVERNMENT policies and mismanagement are the root causes for the shortage of fish in local markets, which have in turn forced the prices of fish up, said fishermen.

These fishermen and fishing boat owners in the peninsula are demanding that Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) chairman Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul show proof to back his claim that they are selling their catch to foreign fishermen far out at sea for excessive profits.

They accused Abu Hussin of making “nonsensical” misleading statements that could incite anger and resentment against them at a time when people are anxious over rising food prices.

They also said when Abu Hussin made the claim in a recent news interview, he had inadvertently also questioned the capabilities of the fisheries and other maritime enforcement units.

Chairman of the Pahang Deep Sea Association Mohd Yusery Mohd Yusoff said there is no reason to do what Abu Hussin had alleged when the prices of fish in the country are good.

“Fishermen do not need to risk being caught by selling their catch to foreign fishermen when the prices in the local markets are good,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Yusery said if Abu Hussin has the proof, then he should show it instead of merely making unsubstantiated claims that have caused unease and anger among many fishermen and boat owners.

“I hope he can produce proof.”

He said one of the reasons catch was low and prices have gone up is the increased costs of going out to sea, particularly for the C2-type deep sea fishing boats whose diesel fuel subsidies have been withdrawn by the government.

C2-type boats normally are manned by a crew of more than 10 and operate beyond 30 nautical miles from the shore.

Yusery said the price of diesel fuel has risen from RM1.80 per litre to RM4.80 to RM5 per litre now, without the government subsidy.

Yusery said with such a cost, it is unlikely boats will take the risk and go to sea when the weather is bad.

“We could be forced to return empty handed.”

The withdrawal of the fuel subsidy had the most impact on C2 fishing boats, he added.

He bluntly said the policy had made it no longer viable for many boat owners to stay in business.

“Once there were 100 deep-sea fishing boats in Kuantan. Now there are fewer than 50,” he pointed out.

He said with so few boats, the catch would definitely be reduced and not enough to meet demands.

On the LKIM chairman’s claim of local fishermen selling their catch to foreign fishermen, Yusery asked if Abu Hussin is aware of the dangers involved in cargo transfers at sea, particularly when the weather is bad and the seas high.

“Does he know how dangerous it is? The waves.”

Yusery also pointed out the ever presence of law enforcement units.

“So why would we risk it?”

Unusual weather

On claims that middlemen are also driving fish prices up, Yusery has this to say to consumers: “If you do not want to buy expensive fish (at the market), then you come to the pier/jetty to buy fish in person”.

He said it is only logical that the prices go up a little as the middlemen have to cover the transportation, packaging, freezing and processing costs.

“If we sell RM5 per kg to the middlemen, it’s logical the price at the market is, say, RM8 per kg. If the consumers don’t like the prices at the market, then they can come and buy fish directly from the fishing boats when they land.”

On top of this, Yusery said the movement control order that was imposed to curb the spread of the Covid-19 last year had resulted in fishermen making fewer trips out to sea as they could not rustle up enough crewmen.

Hai Suah Hutan Melintang Association president Lee Chu Soi said the government is not doing enough to solve the problem faced by the fishing industry.

He said if the fuel subsidy is reinstated for the C2-type deep sea fishing boats and the manpower shortage is addressed, “10% more fishing boats will go out to sea and we will have 10% higher catch”.

Lee said even if the government addresses the problems in the industry, there is one it could not which will force prices up – the force of nature.

He said the unusual weather this time of the year has caused boat owners to suffer huge losses as their boats had to make forced returns, often empty.

He said the unusual weather pattern is now making fishing boats go out to sea only 12 to 15 days a month.

“That explains why the catch is low.”

He also said C2 fishing boats require 800 to 1,000 litres of diesel for each fishing trip or a fuel cost of between RM1,200 to RM4,000 per trip.

On the selling of catch to foreign fishermen, Lee asked what should the local fishermen do if there is no demand in the country.

“Dump them back into the sea?”

He said it’s only logical to sell them to whoever wants them, including foreigners.

But since there is a big demand locally, Lee said it is the fishermen’s duty to make sure the markets are adequately supplied.

‘Talk to us’

Hilir Perak Fishermen’s Cooperative vice chairman and Hilir Perak fishing community chief Kee Yau Leng in joining the criticism of Abu Hussin, said the LKIM chairman should not be making “nonsensical” statements at a time when people are faced with inflation fears and soaring food prices.

“Don’t try to be a hero by adding fuel to the fire. It’s irresponsible as Abu Hussin has not substantiated his claim with any proof,” Kee said.

“It’s only stirring resentment against us fishermen.”

Kee said he believes Abu Hussin’s allegation could cause the people to have a negative view of the government over its alleged inability to manage the problems faced by the industry.

Fishing Industry General Association president Chia Tian Hee on his part said Abu Hussin should initiate a dialogue with fishermen nationwide to sort out the problems faced by fishermen and fishing boat owners.

“We should think of how best we could communicate to develop our fishing industry, not make allegations that hurt people in the industry and cast a bad light on the ability of the maritime enforcement units.

“We hope the policy makers can sit down and talk to reach a win-win solution.” – July 8, 2022.