KOTA KINABALU: The monthly fish supply for the country this year is expected to remain stable at an average of 169,000 metric tonnes, compared to the national demand of 125,000 metric tonnes per month.

       Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said the fish stock therefore is expected to be sufficient to cater to the country’s needs despite various challenges to the fisheries sector during the Covid-19 pandemic.

       He said fish landings across Sabah alone for the first six months this year have been at 107,000 metric tonnes with a value of RM643mil.

       “Meanwhile, fish landings at Kg Pasir Putih fishermen market here from January to June this year, is 7,000 metric tonnes with a value of RM35,000.

       “This show that the fisheries sector is an important essential sector and the government will ensure it continues to operate within the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during movement restrictions, to ensure the country’s food security is not affected,” he said when visiting a fishermen jetty and fish market at Kampung Pasir Putih in Putatan on Sunday (July 18).

       Kiandee also announced that RM450,000 has been allocated to upgrade the jetty and fish market at Kg Pasir Putih into a one-stop centre that will not only see the upgrading of the fish landing facility, but also turn into an agro-tourism attraction for tourists.

       “This is a strategic location and has potential to be developed for the benefit of fishing community here.

       "It is the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority’s (LKIM) plan to see development of restaurants here, besides fish landing and marketing facilities, so that the one-stop centre become an attraction for people to visit Putatan,” he said.

       When asked on the commencement of the upgrading works, he said the allocation is already available and will be conducted in the nearest time, without elaborating further.

       The fish landing jetty has been in operation since 2013, and is one of the active fishermen markets around Sabah where patrons can directly buy fresh fish from 20 to 35 boats operated by small scale fishermen.

       During the event, Kiandee also presented food basket assistance to representatives of 100 fishermen under Kota Kinabalu Area Fishermen Association (PNK).