Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Fish Marketing Corporation (Safma) claim that the Ikan Rakyat Sabah (IRS) initiative is emerging as a strategic economic anchor that balances consumer affordability with long-term sustainability for Sabah’s fisheries sector.
Far beyond a basic social aid programme, Safma said the scheme creates a structured, mutually beneficial ecosystem – guaranteeing steady markets and fair purchase terms for local fishermen while ensuring stable, accessible seafood prices for households across all income levels.
Safma general manager Burhan Japar said the programme directly addresses two critical gaps in the industry: price volatility for producers and cost pressures for consumers, while laying the groundwork for Sabah’s broader Blue Economy transformation.
“This is not just about putting fish on tables. It is about building a more efficient, less wasteful supply chain that puts value back into our local ecosystem.
“By buying directly from fishermen, we cut unnecessary middlemen costs, ensure fresher produce reaches the market, and give our fishermen the income security they need to invest in better gear and operations,” he added.
The initiative also serves as a launch pad for commercial expansion, with Safma using such platforms to recruit new business partners, showcase premium seafood lines, and forge trade links that extend beyond Sabah’s borders.
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“From harvest to plate, we are working to make every link in the chain stronger,” Burhan added.
“Through the Zero Waste Fisheries initiative and expanded distribution networks, we aim to maximise returns for our industry while keeping prices stable for consumers.”
During its working visit to Labuan, the Safma delegation also conducted site reviews of the Labuan fish market and LKIM complex to assess supply chain efficiency and identify opportunities for further integration under the IRS framework.
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