Tanjung Piandang: Fish supplies leading up to the Chinese New Year festivities are more than adequate to meet the needs of consumers in the country, according to the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM). Its chairman, Muhammad Faiz Fadzil, highlighted that the Area Fishermen's Association currently holds a stock of 1,600 tonnes of frozen fish.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this frozen fish supply is in addition to imported fish and those caught by local fishermen. Muhammad Faiz assured that LKIM has made thorough preparations for the festive season, and with sufficient fish supplies, the market price of fish is expected to stabilize.

The announcement was made during the MADANI Anak Nelayan Back-to-School programme, organized by LKIM and Petronas, at the Tanjung Piandang District and Land Office Hall. The event was also attended by Perak LKIM director Eries Azwan Deraman. During the programme, 130 children of fishermen received clothing, shoes, school bags, water bottles worth RM150, and a cash assistance of RM50 each.

Muhammad Faiz also noted that the department would increase the diesel subsidy allocation by one million litres for fishermen in Perak starting next month. This increase is aimed at supporting the many vessels in the state that rely on diesel for fishing, particularly class B and C vessels, to boost fish landings.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the 2025 Budget presentation, announced that the government would allocate RM2.78 billion in subsidies, aid, and incentives for padi farmers and fishermen in 2025. This marks an increase from RM2.6 billion allocated last year, reflecting the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural and fishing sectors.