Kota bharu: The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) anticipates that the northeast monsoon season will not severely affect fish supplies, particularly in Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu. Its chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil stated that LKIM has not received any reports from fishermen's associations in these states about fishermen being unable to go to sea due to rough sea conditions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, despite the East Coast states experiencing floods in October last year, the weather this year has been generally good, with only occasional rain, mainly in the afternoons. Faiz noted that all types of boats, including Class A on the west coast, as well as Classes B, C, and C2, and coastal fishermen are still able to go out to sea.

He conveyed this information to reporters after attending the 'Majlis Ramah Mesra MADANI' with the Kota Bharu fishing community. The event was held in conjunction with the launch of the Portable Container System (PCS) by the Kota Bharu Area Fishermen's Association at Petron PCS, Kuala Besar.

Muhammad Faiz highlighted that although fish supplies are expected to remain stable, LKIM is taking necessary measures to prepare for any eventualities during the monsoon season. Measures include placing 116.78 tonnes of QFISH supply in five storage facilities nationwide, each of which can last between three and six months. The supply consists of 12.50 tonnes at the National Fishermen's Association (Nekmat) headquarters, 0.92 tonnes at the Terengganu Fishermen's Association, 1.10 tonnes at the Selangor Fishermen's Association, 3.76 tonnes at the Sarawak Fishermen's Association, and 98.50 tonnes at the Besut Area Fishermen's Association.

Based on data, overall fish landings in the country increased by 1.5 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year. Kelantan recorded the highest increase of 29 per cent, followed by Melaka at 23.3 per cent and Perlis at 18.5 per cent.