The step has been taken despite the Government rescinding an earlier mandatory requirement for them to use the boxes. Johor Baru Fish Wholesalers Association chairman Goi Hong Kee said they had no issue with using the insulated boxes as they found them to be of better quality. He also informed that the insulated boxes maintained the freshness of the fishes longer and did not cause chemical reaction with sea water or ice. He also added that this was also good for consumers’ health.
Commuting on the Government decision not to force them to use the insulated boxes, Kee said he would continue to encourage his 50 members to switch, especially when the Government planned to provide incentives to switch. Muar Fishmongers Association chairman Rosli Samin Laham expressed that they had started using the insulated boxes in stages since January. He told that they are willing to change our boxes to the new insulated ones slowly.
Laham also said that the Government introduces a scheme whereby wholesalers could exchange their old boxes for the new ones at a subsidised rates. However, Batu Pahat Fish Merchants Association chairman Lim Kian Soon said the use of the new boxes would increase their cost. Johor Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia director Mohd Hanifiah Hussien said they had briefed wholesalers on the new implementation last August.
