Perak Launches 1,000 Affordable Fish Sales Throughout This Year to Ease Public Burden
The Perak state government, in collaboration with the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) Perak, has announced a massive initiative to hold over 1,000 'Jualan Sejahtera Rakyat' affordable fish sales across the state throughout 2026. This program was launched as a strategic step to help the community obtain fish supplies at prices lower than the current market rate.
During a press conference held in Ipoh, the Chairman of the Perak Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee, Datuk Mohd. Zolkafly Harun, explained that these sales activities are not only large-scale but also focus on rural areas that rarely have access to more affordable fish prices.
These sales are expected to impact the people's cost of living, especially amidst uncertain commodity prices, by providing sufficient and quality fish supplies at a lower cost.
Scope of Sales and Locations Involved
The program targets implementation across 12 districts in Perak, encompassing both fixed sales sites and mobile operations. Each district will have five permanent locations, in addition to sales activities via three-wheeled motorcycles and trucks to reach a wider community.
This two-pronged approach is designed so that people in both rural and urban areas can enjoy lower prices without having to travel far. The effectiveness of the sales locations is also planned in coordination with local authorities (PBT) and the District and Land Office to ensure each site is chosen based on convenience, safety, and traffic flow.
Discounted Prices for Various Fish Species
One of the main attractions of this program is a discount of up to 20% on various fish species. These lower sales prices offer attractive options for buyers:
- Indian mackerel (Ikan kembung): reduced from RM17 to RM13.60 per kilogram
- Red snapper (Ikan merah): reduced from RM45 to RM36 per kilogram
- Barramundi (Ikan siakap): reduced from RM20.50 to RM16.40 per kilogram
- Golden snapper (Ikan jenahak): reduced from RM45 to RM36 per kilogram
- Prawns & squid: from RM35 to RM28 per kilogram
- Cockles: from RM18 to RM14.40 per kilogram
These prices are planned based on local demand to be more aligned with the purchasing power of buyers in each area.
Participation of Local Traders and Sales Mobility
Although these affordable fish sales are well-organized and will not be conducted in areas near existing markets, the state government welcomes local traders to participate. The objective is not to disrupt existing businesses, but to expand business opportunities while benefiting the community.
The program also includes sales after Friday prayers in mosque areas, subject to local infrastructure and approval from authorities, to provide convenience for Muslim buyers.
Supply Guarantee and No Purchase Limits
According to the Director of LKIM Perak, Ahmad Zulkifli Ismail, the fish supply for this program is sufficient throughout this year. The sales program has been running since last October, and its official launch is scheduled for this February in Sungai Siput. More interestingly, there are no purchase limits set, allowing consumers to buy according to their needs.
This demonstrates the organizers' commitment to ensuring that fish supplies are sufficient and can be enjoyed by all levels of society without strict purchase restrictions.
Positive Impact on the Community
This initiative is expected to have a positive impact not only on the cost of living but also in strengthening the local economy. With more affordable fish prices, low- and middle-income families can plan their daily expenses more wisely.
This effort also creates synergy between the state government, federal agencies like LKIM, and the local community in ensuring that quality protein sources are accessible to all levels of society.
