RM5.81 Million Fish Hub in Besut Set to Stabilise Prices, Protect Fishermen and Strengthen Supply Chain
JERTIH, March 1 — A newly established fish collection and distribution hub in Kuala Besut is expected to play a crucial role in stabilising seafood prices, reducing reliance on middlemen, and safeguarding the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the East Coast Fish Collection, Processing, Storage and Distribution Hub represents a strategic investment aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s food security and improving the efficiency of the fisheries supply chain.
Modern storage facility enhances national food security
The facility, built at a cost of RM5.81 million under the Prihatin Economic Stimulus Package, spans more than 9,600 square feet and has been operational since early last year.
It is equipped with advanced infrastructure, including a cold storage facility capable of holding up to 300 metric tonnes of seafood and a blast freezer designed to preserve freshness over extended periods.
Mohamad explained that this capability is particularly important during peak fishing seasons, when a surge in fish landings often results in oversupply and falling prices.
By enabling surplus catch to be stored efficiently, the hub ensures consistent market supply and helps prevent sudden price fluctuations.
Reducing middlemen and improving fishermen’s earnings
He stressed that one of the main objectives of the project is to streamline the supply chain by enabling fish to move more directly from fishermen to consumers.
Previously, multiple intermediaries in the distribution chain often resulted in fishermen receiving lower prices while consumers paid higher retail rates.
With the new hub in place, the government hopes to create a more balanced market structure that benefits both producers and consumers.
Mohamad described the initiative as aligned with the MADANI economic framework, which emphasises fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Ice plant expansion boosts industry efficiency
During the same event, Mohamad also officiated the Phase 3 expansion of the Kuala Besut Fishermen’s Association ice plant, involving an additional investment of RM2.5 million.
The upgraded facility has increased ice production capacity by 50 tonnes per day, bringing total daily output to 103 tonnes.
He said the expansion is critical in supporting fishermen’s operational needs, as adequate ice supply is essential to maintaining the quality of fresh catch before distribution.
Key step towards long-term price stability
Meanwhile, Kuala Besut Fishermen’s Association chairman Tengku Harun Tengku Ismail said the hub is expected to help address price volatility caused by seasonal oversupply.
He noted that fish landings typically increase significantly after the monsoon season, forcing fishermen to sell their catch at lower prices due to market saturation.
The hub will allow excess supply to be absorbed, stored, and released gradually, helping stabilise prices and protect fishermen’s income.
The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1,000 active fishermen operating in Kuala Besut waters.
Overall, the new hub represents a major step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s fisheries sector, ensuring stable seafood prices, and enhancing national food security for the long term.
-wilayah.com.my
