GEORGE TOWN: With reunion dinners and receptions around the corner, seafood suppliers are expecting a higher demand for prawns, pomfret and squid during the Chinese New Year festivity.

       As the government has relaxed the Covid-19 restrictions in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration this year, many people are expected to return to their home towns after missing their reunions last year.

       The traders believe that seafood prices may increase by 10% next week.

       Bayan Baru Market Traders Association chairman Tan Ken Keong said seafood traders are expecting better sales this festive season, especially since reunion dinners are now allowed.

       “Traders believe that there will be a high demand for white pomfret, medium- to large-sized prawns, squid, fishballs and certain types of vegetables.

       “This is because reunion dinners often revolve around steamboat dinners and these are popular steamboat choices,” he said yesterday.

       Tan said in the few days leading up to Chinese New Year Eve on Jan 31, seafood prices are expected to increase by 10% due to the spike in demand for the ingredients.

       He added that the current prices for average white pomfret at the market is RM80 per kg.

       “For squid, it is roughly RM30 per kg. Next week, it may increase to RM36 to RM40.

       “As for prawns, average-sized prawns are at RM65 per kg but it may increase to RM75 to RM85.

       “Some have already bought their reunion dinner ingredients, but others are waiting for last-minute shopping.

       “In such instances, the supply may not meet the demand and traders will be forced to increase their prices by a little,” he added.

       Seafood supplier Yeoh Chin Leng, 37, said medium-sized prawns seemed to be the most popular at the moment.

       “Many customers have bought them in preparation for their Chinese New Year reunion dinners,” he said.

       “We are prepared to meet the demand since we have more stock coming in during the week leading up to the reunion dinners on Chinese New Year Eve.”

       Dry foodstuff trader Olivia Chong, 60, said although she sells an array of ingredients needed to make soup stock and various dishes commonly found during the festive season, there has not been an increase in sales.

       “To me, this festive season feels slow. Maybe it is due to the economy, or maybe people are trying to spend less or they are eating out,” she said.

       “There are customers who were asking about certain ingredients, but when they find out about the price, they seem to lose interest.”

       Meanwhile, housewife Jacklyn Chuah, 52, who was spotted buying vegetables, said she was glad that she would be able to have a reunion dinner and go visiting this year.

       “My husband plans to go back to Melaka to see his family and everyone can finally meet up there.

       “We missed out on the reunion last year, so it is good news for all of us.”

       Hawker Tan Ka Hong, 68, said she expects to see her 11 children and grandchildren this year.

       “I’m cooking a few dishes for a fancy reunion dinner this year.

       “It’s good to finally see the entire family gathering once again.

       “We will be sure to adhere to the Covid-19 standard operating procedures,” she added.