BRUNEI-MUARA

Saturday, August 7, 2010

THE Fisheries Department’s annual “Sales of Fisheries Products” activity is back for three days at the Fish Landing Complex in Muara, with an increase in participation at this year’s fair as vendors from the seafood processing factor are also showcasing their wares.

“Previously, only two sectors participated (in the annual event), namely the capture fisheries and aquaculture sector. This is the first year that the seafood processing sector has been invited to participate,” said Irwan Hj Mohd Noor, the deputy chairman of the event’s organising committee.

“So, there is an increase in participation with the addition of this sector,” the fisheries officer informed reporters.

Six operators from the aquaculture sector, five from the capture fisheries and 20 from the seafood processing sector are taking part this year.

Irwan remarked that this gave customers to the fair a wider selection of fisheries products to choose from.

Not to be confused with the department’s yearly Fisheries Carnival, the fisheries products sales activity hoped to provide the public with the fresh catch of the day, when it came to products from the capture fisheries and aquaculture sector, he added.

The event also aimed to provide a platform for local fisheries operators to market their products.

The event’s organisers also saw it timely as the fasting month of Ramadhan was approaching, and customers can get fresh seafood at “reasonable prices” when they break their fast.

One vendor was selling rostris shrimp yesterday at $8 per kilo, which he said was much cheaper than the market price of $10 or $12.

Another vendor, who did not want to be named, remarked that it was a slow start yesterday, but he acknowledged that it was probably because people were unaware that the event was taking place.

“Of course, we hope for more customers tomorrow (Saturday) and on Sunday because the customers today will be telling their friends and family about this sale here,” the capture fisheries vendor told The Brunei Times.

Ibrahim Putih, who was buying fish and shrimp to bring back for the family dinner, lauded the event for having some of the freshest seafood available.

“It’s right off the (fishing) boats and on these tables straight away. Plus, some of the products are quite cheap, so it’s a really good (bargain),” he said. “We can also get some of the locally-made dried seafood here as well.”

Among the products on sale include fresh fish, shrimp and crabs. Vendors from seafood processing companies were selling marinated fish, smoked fish, seafood crackers, shrimp paste, among others.

The “sales” are held from 8am to 5pm.

The Brunei Times

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