Penang solidifies its status as Malaysia’s leading tuna landing hub, boosting fisheries, processing, and tourism, says state exco.

GEORGE TOWN, April 3 — Beyond its famous street food and picturesque beaches, Penang holds a unique status as Malaysia’s sole tuna landing hub, where prized catches from the Indian Ocean arrive before being exported globally.

These tuna, carefully chilled upon arrival, are shipped to international markets, particularly Japan, where they are highly valued for premium sashimi.

State Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol emphasized that Penang has served as Malaysia’s primary entry point for tuna since the early 1990s.

"Many foreign vessels, including those from Taiwan, choose Penang as their landing site before processing and exporting the tuna back to Taiwan or Japan," he said.

Economic and Industry Growth Potential

Fahmi highlighted the significant economic benefits of tuna landings, supporting local industry players and strengthening Malaysia’s seafood trade.

With growing tuna landing activities, he believes Penang has the potential to develop a robust downstream industry, creating jobs and attracting investments.

"Expanding the tuna industry can generate employment not only in fisheries but also in related sectors such as fish processing, transportation, and trade," he told Bernama.

Currently, Penang lacks a dedicated tuna processing industry. However, Fahmi remains optimistic that with increased landings, the state could emerge as a key processing hub, supplying premium seafood products to both local and international markets.

"This could encourage greater investment in fish processing and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global seafood trade," he added.

Boosting Tourism Through the Tuna Industry

Beyond fisheries, Fahmi noted that the tuna industry could also contribute to tourism, particularly in areas where landings and trade activities take place.

"If well-developed, jetties and processing facilities could attract visitors, as tuna landing operations are often a fascinating spectacle that draws public interest," he said.

Tuna remains a high-value commodity in international markets, and Penang’s role as a major landing hub is crucial for the industry’s expansion.

Dermaga Dalam: Penang’s Tuna Landing Site

Tuna landings in Penang now take place at Dermaga Dalam, Butterworth, which plays a vital role in sustaining the local economy.

Previously, the government established the Batu Maung Fisheries Complex under the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM). However, sedimentation issues in 2015 rendered the facility unsuitable for tuna landings.

As a result, Dermaga Dalam was designated as the new commercial tuna landing site, a role it continues to fulfill today.

In 2023, a total of 16 vessels landed 3.13 million kilogrammes of tuna, valued at RM3.191 million.

We are still awaiting last year’s full figures, but I hope to see even higher tuna landings this year, further cementing Penang’s position as Malaysia’s premier tuna hub,"* Fahmi said. — Bernama