BALIK PULAU: The Pulau Betong Area Fisherman Association (PNK) plans to set up shops at several places here to sell sea catches landed by its members, direct to the public at reasonable prices.
Its chairman, Arshad Omar said the association was currently identifying suitable locations to set up the shops and expected the first outlet to become operational by mid-year.
“We want to sell the catches of the association’s 60 fishermen direct to the public.
“This way, we do away with middlemen and boost our income, while lowering the prices,” he told Bernama here today.
Currently, Arshad said the public could only buy sea catches cheap at the fishermen’s market in Pulau Betong.
He said the difference in price in the sea catches offered at the market was between RM5 and RM20, depending on type.
“Many make a beeline for the fishermen’s market to look for fresh fish, especially after 2pm when most fishermen return from sea.”
Arshad said PNK was among the most successful fishermen’s association in the state and recorded RM2 million worth of sales last year, generating RM200,000 in profit.
“The profit was distributed among the fishermen of Pulau Betong.”
In another development, he said the price of prawn had gone up by 20 per cent following shortage of supply due to bad weather and high demand in view of the Chinese New Year.