Kuala besut: The Fish Collection, Processing, Storage and Distribution Hub (HPPPP) for the East Coast Region, launched today, is set to shorten the seafood marketing chain, reduce reliance on middlemen, and stabilise fish prices in the market. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu highlighted the project's impact on the local fishing industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the HPPPP, built on a site measuring more than 9,600 square feet at a cost of RM5.81 million under the Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package (PRIHATIN), has been operational since January last year. The facility includes a Cold Room with a capacity of 300 metric tonnes and blast freezer facilities, allowing large-scale storage and processing of fish. This initiative aims to protect both fishermen and consumers by ensuring seafood surplus is managed systematically and maintaining fish freshness, especially during the monsoon season.

Mohamad Sabu emphasized the necessity of a robust storage and logistics system to prevent seafood wastage. He stated that the HPPPP's direct-to-consumer approach minimizes the role of middlemen, often responsible for price discrepancies, and ensures more stable fish prices, benefiting both fishermen and consumers. He described this approach as part of the MADANI economy, which seeks fairness for all stakeholders.

During the event, Mohamad also inaugurated the Phase 3 Ice Plant of the Besut Area Fishermen's Association (PNK), a RM2.5 million investment. The plant, operational since early January, enhances ice production by 50 tonnes per day, meeting Kuala Besut's demand for up to 100,000 blocks of ice annually and ensuring the optimal quality of fishermen's catch before distribution.

Meanwhile, PNK Besut chairman Tengku Harun Tengku Ismail expressed optimism that the hub would address the drop in fish prices during periods of oversupply. He noted that fishermen often sell their catch at lower prices post-monsoon due to increased volumes, despite stable retail prices. The hub's ability to purchase excess fish is expected to stabilize prices, benefiting about 1,000 active fishermen under PNK Besut.