Commerce

Yearly Promotion (Promosi Tahunan)

As part of their commercial practices, the unit offers a 30% discount on their catch three times a year. These promotions are not tied to specific festivals or holidays, allowing them the flexibility to organize them at any time.

Did you know?

Whenever the fishing unit organises promotions, it is required to notify the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia, LKIM), the governing body. Since it is illegal to sell catch below the market price, LKIM steps in to subsidise the price difference for the fishermen, ensuring that they remain compliant while still benefiting from their promotions.

Themes: Commerce, Values

Unit (Unit)

Fishermen across Penang organise themselves into local units, with the Sungai Batu fishermen (approximately 50-60 members) forming Unit Nelayan Sungai Batu.

The "unit" also gestures towards the site itself, a sheltered, central gathering spot by the sea where the fishermen rest, socialise and engage in various activities, including playing checkers, watching TV, having their meals, and mending nets.

Did you know?

The Sungai Batu fishing unit is one of the local fishing units under the broader structure of the Penang Fishing Association (Persatuan Nelayan Pulau Pinang), a state-level organisation that unifies and supports other units. The association, also known as Pen Mutiara, functions as a union, holding elections to represent the interests of the fishermen and is responsible for advocacy, governance, and cooperation between units.

The units operate on a relationship of mutual exchange with the association. The fishermen often sell their catch directly to the association instead of independent buyers, receiving year-end bonuses in return.

The Penang Fishing Association in turn operates under the oversight of LKIM (Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia, or Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia), the governing authority responsible for supporting and regulating fisheries nationwide.

Income (Pendapatan)

The fishermen’s source of livelihood--catching and selling fish, mending nets for others and performing other related tasks for the community--reflects their value for autonomy. One advantage of their trade is being able to earn a daily income, which affords them greater control over their time and activities as they can adapt their schedule to suit their immediate needs and priorities; they can decide for themselves when to rest, eat and fish.

Did you know?

Some of the fishermen recall a "golden moment" where they were able to sell approximately 30 kilos of catch in the market, translating to around RM1000 in profits that day!

If the day's income is deemed to be "good", some of the fishermen will organise a korban, or religious "sacrifice", to give thanks.

Themes: Commerce, Society

Fish Market (Pasar ikan)

Usually refers to the fish market next to the jetty at Sungai Batu. As part of the association, the fish market acts as the intermediary between the fishermen and external, independent buyers (see "Unit").

Did you know?

The Sungai Batu fish market regularly supplies its catch to a 4.9 starred eatery in Teluk Kumbar that is known for its Nasi Kandar.

Themes: Commerce, Society

Fish Farms (Ladang ikan)

An alternative source of income suggested by the government. However, they are both expensive and difficult to manage due to issues in maintaining water quality and oxygen levels, and ensuring a sufficient supply of food for the entire fish farm. As of January 2025, a few have been established in Teluk Tempoyak, near Jerejak Island and in Batu Kawan, near Aman Island.

https://penanginstitute.org/publications/issues/1005-penang-s-aquaculture-industry-holds-great-economic-potential/

(Source)

Did you know?

Fish farms have a poor reputation among customers due to the lower quality of produce. The fishermen have attempted to start a fish farm in the past but it ended up being too costly for them.

Themes: Commerce, Fishing

Prawn/Shrimp (Udang)

Udang, the Malay word for "prawn" or "shrimp", is not only the fishermen's primary catch, but also a cornerstone of their livelihood and identity; the fishermen have historically specialised in catching the once-abundant udang. However, udang is dwindling as a direct result of the reclamation projects (see "Reclamation").

Did you know?

The fishermen take great pride in their unique fishing practices and manual preparation techniques for good reason: their reputation for selling sweet, fresh udang extends beyond Penang to other regions in Malaysia.

Chinese restaurants clamour to purchase udang during Chinese New Year, causing its price to increase from around RM40-60 to RM70-80 per kilo during this festive period.

Themes: Commerce, Fishing

Crab (Ketam)

Another staple catch alongside udang, these ketam, or "crabs" reside in shallow waters and are caught by hand. Though smaller in size, they are dense and packed with meat. Just like udang, however, crabs are becoming increasingly harder to catch due to the impacts of the reclamation on their breeding grounds (see "Reclamation").

Did you know?

Other popular catch include:

malong (Dagger-tooth Pike Conger, a type of eel),
kembong (Indian Mackerel), or temenung as it is known in Kedah
gelama (silver white croaker)
bawal (pomfret)
senangin (threadfin)
terubok (Chinese herring)

Themes: Commerce, Fishing

Catty (Kati)

The traditional unit of measurement that the fishermen previously used to measure the weight of their catch. One kati is equivalent to 600 grams.

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