The Star 15 Nov 14;
SHAH ALAM: Malaysia has stopped fish exports to Thailand and Singapore from this month in anticipation of a shortage during the Monsoon season.
Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the move involves several types of fish such as cencaru, selar, selayang and kembung.
Thailand and Singapore are the largest importers of fish from Malaysia.
"We have issued a directive that fish is not to be exported until the Monsoon season is over to ensure adequate supply.
"The frozen fish programme of the Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) and the National Fishermen's Association (Nekmat) will also be activated if necessary," he told reporters after launching the book 100 Birds of National Botanic Garden Shah Alam at Taman Botani Negara here, Saturday.
A total of 1,500 copies of the book were distributed free of charge to schools across the country.
Ismail also said the landslides in Cameron Highlands had not affected the supply and price of vegetables as it only supplied 15% of the country's needs.
"Moreover, the areas affected involved land cleared illegally while the operators were not registered with the Farmers Organisation Authority (LPP)," he added.
The incident in Kampung Raja, Ringlet and Bertam Valley in Cameron Highlands on Nov 5 claimed five lives and displaced 203 people from 47 families. – Bernama
Fish exports halted for monsoon season
New Straits Times 17 Nov 14;
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.
