Why have fish prices, like mackerel, more than doubled recently?

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Fish Prices Increase Due to Supply Concerns Amid Conflicting Reports on Availability

Recent fluctuations in fish prices, notably a more than doubling of mackerel costs to up to RM20 per kilogram from RM8, are occurring amidst a complex situation involving supply chain issues and external factors. While the Fisheries Department asserts that overall fish supply is adequate if consumers refrain from hoarding, other industry figures and authorities point to contributing factors such as reduced fish landings, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and manpower shortages. The government is exploring measures like increasing freshwater fish production to mitigate the impact on consumers.
Reduced Fish Landings Impact Supply

Unpredictable weather patterns over the past two months have significantly affected the volume of fish caught, with reports indicating a decrease in fish landings by nearly two-thirds. This reduction in the availability of marine fish directly contributes to the current supply challenges being observed in the market.
Bureaucratic Issues and Delivery System Weaknesses Cited

Beyond weather-related challenges, systemic issues within the supply chain have been identified as significant contributors to the perceived shortage. "Bureaucratic problems" and a "weak delivery system" have been explicitly mentioned as reasons for the difficulties in getting fish to consumers, suggesting that logistical and administrative hurdles are exacerbating supply issues.
Manpower Shortages and Weather Cited as Price Drivers

External factors such as weather conditions and a crunch in available manpower are also being pointed to as reasons for the upward pressure on fish prices. These elements can indirectly affect the cost of fishing operations and the overall efficiency of the supply chain, leading to higher prices for consumers.
Government Initiatives to Augment Freshwater Fish Supply

In response to the challenges affecting marine fish availability, the government is actively working to increase the supply of freshwater fish. This strategy aims to compensate for any shortfall in marine fish and provide an alternative source to help meet national demand, thereby stabilising the market and consumer access to fish.

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Why have fish prices, like mackerel, more than doubled recently?

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