Fish Prices Get a New Twist: Singapore Has to Brush Up on Its Wallet
Why the Price Tag Might Jolt Up Next January
Brace yourselves, foodies: during the upcoming Chinese New Year, you’re likely to see a few extra dollars on your seafood bill. That’s because Malaysia’s fishing authority has slapped a temporary ban on four wild-caught fish and shrimp from January 1st to February 28th.
Mad Modest Malaysia: The Ban Explained
- Kembung (Mackerel)
- Selar (Trevally)
- Pelaling (Indian Mackerel)
- Bawal (Pomfret)
- Shrimps
This move, announced by Agriculture Minister Salahuddin Ayub, is aimed at easing a looming shortage that’s usual during monsoon and festive seasons.
Singapore’s Stylish Coping Strategy
Mr. Lee Boon Cheow, head honcho of the Singapore Fish Merchants’ General Association, hammered home the idea that Singapore isn’t going to turn into a fish-free zone. “Every few years the seafood bell rings and folks have to pivot,” he said, reminiscent of a grocery store’s “item sold out” sign.
- Singapore imports 15–20 % of its fish from Malaysia.
- Any price hike will only be about 10–15 %.
- We’re also pulling the four species from overseas—mostly Indonesia, the long‑time fish supplier.
- Shrimp are sourced from the same places, and we’ve even started farming them locally.
Why Shrimp Might Cost a Bit More
The CEO of Apollo Aquaculture Group, Eric Ng, told The New Paper the ban hit him by surprise. While Malaysia usually floods the market with shrimp, the sudden ban means Singapore’s fishermen need to lean on their own shrimp farms.
Current shrimp prices stand at $28 per kilogram; if demand spikes, they might climb to $35 a kilo. “Got to admit, fresh fish always pulls the price up, but we’ve got frozen stock from Indonesia filling the gap,” Ng added.
Real‑World Impact on Local Businesses
Chef Badrol Hisam, MD of Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak, explained how the ban directly squeezes his walls. “We rely on selar for our nasi lemak—no shifting substitutes,” he noted. “If we can’t absorb the cost, we’ll double the amount on the fish portion.” He had already bumped the fish up to $5.50 per kilogram pre‑ban.
When it comes to consumers, Leong Siew Kuai—who’s 86—reminds us that tradition matters. “Chinese New Year means a lot to my family. I’m fine with paying more if the fish stays top‑grade.”
Bottom Line: Bucolic Bounty Meets Budget Brains
Even though the ban may cause a slight uptick in prices, Singapore’s fish industry’s knack for diversifying supplies and a splash of local farming keeps the market steady. That means tourists, diners, and nasi lemak lovers should stay ready to smooth out any price gaps—just keep your wallets and appetites in sync.
