Prices of popular fish soar ahead of Chinese New Year
The Straits Times|January 27, 2022
Festive season cost spike, reduced supply owing to Malaysia floods cited as reasons
Isabelle Liew and Cheong Chee Foong
Prices of popular fish soar ahead of Chinese New Year

Prices of some popular fish, such as Chinese pomfret and red grouper, have spiked ahead of Chinese New Year, with some sellers at wet markets doubling their prices.

The Straits Times visited six wet markets yesterday and found Chinese pomfret going for as much as $90 to $100 a kg, up from $40 to $50 a kg last November. Red grouper cost up to $75 a kg, up from $30 to $40 a kg in November.

While the fish merchants’ association said the price hike is normal during the Chinese New Year period, stallholders said the increase is exacerbated by floods in Malaysia last month. Vendors added that suppliers in China have also been snatching up stocks.

Singapore’s fish supplies come mainly from Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Fishmonger Michael Yak, 47, who runs a stall in Tiong Bahru Market, said: “The price increase can’t be helped. The floods in Malaysia last month affected supply and quality. Most of the stocks were also bought up by China (suppliers).”

The other markets ST visited were Clementi 448 Market and Food Centre, Toa Payoh West Market and Food Centre, Ghim Moh Road Market and Food Centre, Tekka Centre and Chinatown Complex.

This story is from the January 27, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 27, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STRAITS TIMESView All
Challengers role scared Zendaya so much, she had to do the film
The Straits Times

Challengers role scared Zendaya so much, she had to do the film

The actress says she was drawn to how multi-layered the characters in the sports romance are

time-read
3 mins  |
April 25, 2024
WORLD CHAMPIONS HEADLINE NOMINEES
The Straits Times

WORLD CHAMPIONS HEADLINE NOMINEES

Singapore Sports Awards finalists reflect momentous’ 2023 for national athletes

time-read
3 mins  |
April 25, 2024
FROM SLOW BURNER TO SHOW-STOPPER
The Straits Times

FROM SLOW BURNER TO SHOW-STOPPER

Arteta praises tremendous’ Havertz as he punishes former club Chelsea with a brace

time-read
2 mins  |
April 25, 2024
FENCERS ON MISSION TO QUALIFY FOR OLYMPICS
The Straits Times

FENCERS ON MISSION TO QUALIFY FOR OLYMPICS

Well-prepared contingent have last chance to achieve Paris 2024 goal at UAE tournament

time-read
3 mins  |
April 25, 2024
FI's Horner, Vasseur fine with new points plan
The Straits Times

FI's Horner, Vasseur fine with new points plan

Formula One teams will discuss on April 25 a proposal to extend the points-scoring positions from 10th place to 12th place next season.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 25, 2024
Doncic defeaning as Mavs even series with Clippers
The Straits Times

Doncic defeaning as Mavs even series with Clippers

Luka Doncic wanted to \"make some noise\" to let the Los Angeles Clippers know who the Dallas Mavericks really are, and he did just that on April 23.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 25, 2024
ARTILLERY TAKES AIM AT CLASSIC
The Straits Times

ARTILLERY TAKES AIM AT CLASSIC

3YO Sprint second convinces Logan to press on to 1,400m leg

time-read
3 mins  |
April 25, 2024
Support parents' right to determine digital usage for their children
The Straits Times

Support parents' right to determine digital usage for their children

The Ministry of Education's response to Mr Joel Chan Yi-Hsiung and Mr Andrew Soo is a reiteration of its long-held position and has not adequately addressed the call to give parents greater autonomy and optionality in managing their children's use of personal learning devices (Schools, parents can guide usage of digital devices by students with app, April 16).

time-read
1 min  |
April 25, 2024
How the secret of sleep keeps us awake
The Straits Times

How the secret of sleep keeps us awake

Businesses can keep exploiting our tiredness while scientists seek to explain the mechanics of it.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 25, 2024
New flexi-work guidelines prompt firms to rethink workplace policies
The Straits Times

New flexi-work guidelines prompt firms to rethink workplace policies

Many see potential for higher productivity, though smaller firms appear less convinced

time-read
4 mins  |
April 25, 2024