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In this file picture, a fish vendor arranges his stock of Zbaidi (silver pomfret) at the main fish market in Kuwait City. Image Credit: AFP

Abu Dhabi: Kuwait fish markets will reopen from Monday, chairman of Kuwait Fishermen Association Zahir Al Suwaiyan has said.

“The fish market in in Sharq and Fahaheel will be open from 6am to 5pm, and shoppers have to book in advance online at the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s website,” Al Suwaiyan added.

He added the ministry will continue to regulate the sale of catches on the stalls after the auction was cancelled, in addition to monitoring prices and adhering to health requirements.

Earlier, Al Suwaiyan expressed his surprise that the vegetable markets have been re-opened but the fish market has been ignored “as though the coronavirus is in only the fish market”.

Al Suwaiyan said, “Citizens have expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of fresh Kuwaiti fish and we add our voice to their voice. So, we ask why a double standard?”

In April, Kuwait authorities shut down fish and livestock markets to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Selling at the fish wholesale markets has since been confined to cooperative societies, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels and retailers.