Vendors optimistic despite slow start to fisheries sale

COMMERCIAL fish vendors participating in the 'Sales of Fisheries Product' experienced a slow start during the first of the three-day event, but were optimistic that sales will improve before the sale ends.

Several local fish operators said on Friday that sales on the first day were "lower" than previous events.

The event marked the second series of sales conducted by the Fisheries Department and the eighth since it was introduced in May 2009, a statement from the department read on Friday.

Ating Billpas, a staff of one of the participating vendors, Seri Mubarak, said sales were slower than expected.

The company, which supplies to Pasar Gadong in the capital, had caught three-tonnes of freshly-caught fish which includes trevally, grouper, pila-pila and kurisi, for the first day of the sales.

"But maybe this is normal, tomorrow will have more people," he said.

Another operator, Radims Fisheries Trading Co, only managed to record a sales of just over $400 yesterday.

"Last May, sales were better on the first day, but then again, it is normal that the first day does not attract so many people," said owner Radin Hj Idris.

It is common that Bruneians would flock to the sale in the last two days of the event, he said.

An employee of HA Sumali dan Adik Beradik, who wished only to be known as Joy, said sales were "okay" in the morning.

"Tomorrow we're expecting more people because people would find out about the event already," she said.

The main objective of the event was to help local operators to market their product and at the same time help promote the fisheries product, the statement read.

The Brunei Times