GEORGE TOWN: The country's seafood supply, especially fish, is not likely to be affected by the imminent northeast monsoon from November to March.
Malaysia Fisheries Development Board chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the monsoon season would only affect the east coast.
He said, even then, only small boats in Zone A on the east coast would not go to sea.
Zone A boats are those allowed to fish from zero to five nautical miles.
"Bigger boats in the east coast which are allowed to fish in Zone B and Zone C will still go to sea.
"So, there is not likely to be any shortage as fishing activities will still go on, especially in the west coast.
"And the Fisheries Development Board is constantly monitoring the situation and preparing for any eventuality," he told newsmen.
Elaborating, Faiz said the board has a 90 metric tonne stockpile of fish in its keepsake.
"We will collaborate with our trading partners and the private sector involved in the fishery industry.
"Altogether, there is 1,600 metric tonnes of fish supply in the stockpile, which is more than enough for our people," he added, noting that besides the stockpile, they also had imported fish.
Faiz, however, warned each layer of the supply chain not to take advantage of the northeast monsoon to hike the prices of seafood, particularly fish.
"We hope each and everyone can play their part in helping the people tide through the high cost of living," he said.
Meanwhile, Faiz said the Fisheries Development Board is planning to repair 30 per cent of the 397 fishing jetties across the country that are in a dilapidated state next year.
"We have to make sure that the fishing jetties' facilities are in good condition so that there is no disruption in the delivery of fish catch.
"Our focus next year is to make sure that 30 per cent of the jetties, which are mostly 30 to 40 years old, need to be repaired," he said.
Faiz was met after the Rahmah Mesra Madani programme with fishermen in Teluk Bahang here.