PETALING JAYA - Previously abundant in Malaysian waters, many fish species including the ubiquitous ikan kembung have declined in numbers.
He explained that in recent years, climate change has caused an increase in seawater temperature, affecting the growth of plankton, the primary food source for fish. Kuala Lumpur Hoi Seong Fish Wholesalers Association president Sing Kian Hock said falling seafood catches in Malaysian waters have become a problem.
“In the past, fishmongers would purchase 100kg of fish in the wholesale market. However, nowadays, they struggle to sell even 50kg, leading to a decline in the fishmonger business nationwide. He suggested initiating short-term fishing prohibitions in certain marine regions to enable fish populations to recover.