Jon Tikam Batu’s 20 sen fish sale feeds the community

At the heart of Tikam Batu’s bustling wet market near Sungai Petani, Jon Tikam Batu has become a local sensation, offering small fish at just RM0.20 per piece.

Operated by 29-year-old Mohd Shamil Zulkifli, the business provides much-needed relief to the community amid rising living costs.

Since taking over the family business five years ago, Shamil has made it his mission to help those in need, with his affordable fish prices becoming a lifeline for many.

The sale of the “dua-kupang” (20-sen) fish began on August 14, quickly gaining popularity among the locals, especially those struggling financially. “It really broke my heart,” said Shamil, recalling an encounter with a customer who didn’t have enough money to buy fish.

“Everyone should have enough food to eat.”

Jon Tikam Batu’s community impact

Jon Tikam Batu’s fish sale is more than just a business—it’s a community service.

Shamil’s customers, many from nearby villages, line up eagerly at the wet market each day to purchase his 20-sen fish, which include species like kerisi, gelama, pelata, cencaru, and sardines.

“I always give fish for free to those in need. I want to help as many people as I can,” he said.

Shamil, a mechanical engineering graduate, initially had no desire to run the family fish business. However, as circumstances changed, he found himself stepping up to manage the shop.

“After a while, I began to enjoy it. There’s a good feeling in serving customers, especially when they come back as regulars,” he shared.

The fish, caught off the coast of Kedah, are delivered fresh to the Tikam Batu wet market daily.

Shamil’s team of three brings in about a ton of fish each day, with a landing jetty located in Tanjung Dawai, Kedah, roughly a 40-minute drive from his shop.

“The 20-sen fish are always sold out by the end of the day,” Shamil noted, adding that his affordable prices were never meant for profit but to support the community.

Challenges and dedication at Jon Tikam Batu

Despite facing rising transportation costs, particularly due to diesel prices, Shamil remains committed to keeping his prices low.

“I sell to everyone, but these affordable fish are meant to help families, not profit-driven businesses,” he explained.

His customers, primarily housewives, rely on his reasonably priced fish to feed their families.

Shamil’s dedication to his business is evident in his daily routine.

“My day starts at 6.30 am at the shop, and in the evening, I go to the wholesale market in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, to get more fish. I only return home around 1 am,” he shared.

However, Shamil believes there is room for improvement in the local infrastructure, especially regarding parking.

“It would be helpful if the local council could improve the market’s facilities, particularly by providing more parking spaces—parking here is quite limited,” he pointed out.