Sabah: The supply of seafood, particularly premium fish, becomes a major focus each year ahead of Chinese New Year, with high demand causing prices to rise, especially for certain species in Sabah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah and Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce deputy secretary, Weal Cheoh, stated that seafood such as prawns and deep-sea fish, including suno and Chinese pomfret brought from Tawau, are always the top choice for Chinese families for reunion feasts.

Weal, who is also Papar Chinese Chamber of Commerce president, mentioned that the increased demand has impacted prices, particularly for Chinese pomfret, which previously sold at around RM100 per kilogramme, now fetching between RM140 and RM160 per kilogramme depending on size.

'Every time Chinese New Year approaches, seafood becomes a festive dish. Deep-sea fish is always the top choice, along with prawns and abalone. This is normal due to high demand,' he told Bernama when met today.

Weal explained that the price increase for seafood is temporary and typically occurs during festive seasons, with prices and supply usually stabilising within the first five to 10 days of the celebration. He noted that traders and consumers generally make early preparations, including buying frozen seafood to ensure sufficient supply throughout the festive season.

Meanwhile, he said imported items such as oranges and vegetables are not facing serious supply issues, and prices are more stable compared with last year due to currency factors. For chicken and eggs, the situation in Papar and Kota Kinabalu is under control with consistent supply from major suppliers, while demand for eggs among the Chinese community is not as high as in other festive seasons.

Bernama's survey at Pasar Kepayan and Donggongon found some items were sold out as early as 10 am, while several Chinese traders and suppliers had already started their holidays. Fish trader Ardi Labado, 32, mentioned that seafood supply is expected to be slightly affected when suppliers go on holiday, though this is only for a short period and he has made some stock preparations even though fish cannot be stored for long due to freshness.

Meanwhile, vegetable trader Lomisi Ingang, 56, said the supply is still sufficient as suppliers prepared early, and he increased stock to ensure daily needs of customers are met throughout the festive season. 'For now, I have taken additional stock for daily needs. Prices have risen slightly; I bought from wholesale shops, and it increased by about RM1,' he said. He added that items likely to be limited include eggs, chilies, oranges, and certain vegetables with high demand, as well as soy-based products such as tempeh and tofu.