Tuna hub reeling in profits
Rich haul: Fahmi checking a shipment of frozen tuna during his visit to Butterworth.
GEORGE TOWN: As the tuna hub of Malaysia, Penang had more than twice as much tuna last year compared to the previous year, says Fahmi Zainol.
The state agrotechnology, food security, and cooperative development committee chairman said figures from the Fisheries Department showed 431,000kg of tuna worth RM7.76mil were brought in 2024, more than double the 177,320kg (RM3.19mil) in 2023.
He said the increase reflected Penang's growing role in the tuna industry, which has been developing since the early 2000s.
Recognising the industry's potential for further growth, he said the Fisheries Department has rolled out several initiatives to attract investment.
'These include incentive schemes such as the Small and Medium Agro-based Industry Expansion Programme (SPeKS), the Agropreneur Muda Grant Programme (GAM) for youths aged 18 to 45, and the zero-interest Agropreneur Financing Scheme (TUT) supported by the state government,' he told The Star in an interview.
'Other efforts include the provision of cold room facilities and processing equipment, the development of seven new tuna-based products, and the establishment of the Tuna Product Excellence Centre in Labuan,' he said.
Fahmi said the Fisheries Department is also facilitating links between vessel operators and downstream entrepreneurs to secure a steady tuna supply, while infrastructure upgrades at landing sites like Dermaga Dalam in Butterworth will strengthen the supply chain from sea to processing facilities.
He said some of these tunas are temporarily kept in Butterworth before being exported to international markets.
He said international trade missions have been used to promote investment opportunities in Penang's tuna sector globally.
'The strategic location of Penang near international maritime trade routes, combined with a robust logistics network through Penang Port and Penang International Airport, continue to bolster its appeal as a processing hub and attractive stopover point for foreign fishing vessels.
'The state's well-established food and packaging industries further complement the growth of tuna-related activities.
'This trend supports Malaysia's ambition to strengthen its role in the global seafood supply chain.'
In addition to acting as a transit hub, Fahmi said tuna is also imported from countries like Japan to meet growing domestic demand.
He said the imported fish is distributed for local consumption, especially in urban areas with a high demand for premium seafood.
Fahmi said that although there is no precise data on the total number of jobs created within the tuna sector, it is clear that the industry is driving employment across fishing, processing, logistics and export services.
He said local fishermen and operators have already seen tangible benefits, with tuna exports fetching significantly higher prices than domestic sales.
He said there are also positive spillover effects in related sectors such as vessel repairs, fuel supply and marine services.
'Looking ahead, industry players expect this year to bring further expansion, driven by the recent issuance of 16 tuna vessel licences to Astana Conglomerate Sdn Bhd.
'This will boost Malaysia's tuna harvesting capacity and generate more economic activities.'
Fahmi added that in recent years, the export values of tuna have reflected the industry's volatility and recovery efforts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Fahmi: Call data to shape policymaking
Coming together: Fahmi attending Lembah Pantai Umno's Perpaduan sacrificial ritual ceremony in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha at the Kampung Pasir Baru hall in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) request for mobile phone call data from telecommunications companies is aimed at supporting evidence-based policymaking, including enhancing network infrastructure, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the requested data does not include identities or any information that could be used to identify individuals. 'The purpose is to collect data for the official statistics of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). 'It does not contain any personal information but focuses on trends to enable us to gather more detailed information about quality, engagement levels, and the number of users in specific mukims (subdistricts) or districts. 'Currently, much of the information about the telecommunications sector remains too general,' he told reporters at Lembah Pantai Umno's Perpaduan sacrificial ritual ceremony here yesterday in conjunction with the Aidiladha celebration. He said this new, more detailed approach will enable the government to assess the actual needs of the public and bridge the digital divide more effectively. 'We have also begun shifting from providing general information to focusing on Coverage of Populated Areas. 'This ensures that the data collected under DOSM will enable more planning and policies based on evidence-based policymaking, bringing greater benefits to the public,' he said, as reported by Bernama. Fahmi said the decision was reached through mutual agreement between telecommunications companies and MCMC, involving agencies such as DOSM in a series of workshops held since 2023. 'Discussions have been ongoing for some time, and there are no issues. In fact, I understand that telecommunications companies will not provide any information containing personal data. 'Only anonymised data, processed as thoroughly as possible by the telecommunications companies themselves, will be provided,' he said. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong recently raised concerns over the issue of data collection. The government's efforts to collate detailed records of phone calls and internet usage from telecommunications firms are a violation of the people's right to their personal data. He also said there is no need to have such detailed information for facilitating policymaking in the information, communications and technology sector, and the tourism sector as clarified by the MCMC. He added for such purposed above, collecting aggregate data was sufficient. Dr Wee said anonymising the data was not enough to maintain the privacy of users, especially in an increasingly connected world. On top of that, he added, there is also data from the mobile app MySejahtera, e-wallets, CCTVs, Touch 'n Go and bank records which can be cross-checked to identify someone.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
In today's climate, some don't have the luxury of retirement
PETALING JAYA: Raising the retirement age to 65 will help seniors achieve greater financial stability. Lee Peng Joo, 70, said he works as a part-time electrical chargeman in his free time due to high demand from his former acquaintances in the industry. Needing to only do safety and operational checks on high-voltage electrical installations, Lee said the work is fairly simple and allows him to earn extra income without much hassle. 'I work under contract, so I typically only have to check an installation once a month, which normally takes less than half an hour at each site, and write an inspection report after that. 'It's technical work that keeps my mind fresh. It's not physically demanding so I don't have to worry about getting injured,' he said. Lee would love to continue working until he is 75 years old. A human resource executive who wanted to be known only as Johari said there is 'no choice but to work until I can't'. 'The cost of things isn't getting any cheaper, and I still have to get my youngest boy through university. Business owner G. James, 67, who runs an accounting firm, said he decided to continue working to reduce dependence on his children, who are all working. 'For me, it's a personal preference. 'Although my wife and three children have persuaded me to let go of the business since we're already doing well, I don't want to trouble anyone by asking for money. 'By continuously working past 60, I can still earn for my wife and myself,' he said. > see next page 'Every time there are proposals for the retirement age to be increased, I have no issue with it, but it must serve as a transition period for the younger up-and-coming talents. 'We won't be here forever and have to pass the torch one day,' he said. In the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur, The Star met up with some retired seniors who have no other choice but to continue working to make ends meet. One such retiree is a 71-year-old man, who only wanted to be known as M, who runs his own roadside stall in Pudu selling miscellaneous items. M, who worked in a tailor shop before he retired over a decade ago, said he was forced to turn to running a small business as he needs money for daily expenses. 'I'm currently staying with my son who gives me pocket money once in a while, but it's not enough for my daily needs. 'I would rather earn my own income than depend solely on my son, to provide for me,' he said. Items sold at M's store include reading glasses and sunglasses for RM15 each that he had bought from wholesalers who were clearing stock. He also sells nail clippers and batteries for around RM5 each. Conditions were not so good for another retiree aged 78, who only wanted to be known as Awa, as he struggled to earn money to cover his room rental and daily needs. Awa, who is not married and has no kids, rents a small room in Pudu for RM200 a month. He worked as a construction worker until he was forced to retire two decades ago, which led to his savings eventually drying up about five years ago. He now covers his expenses by selling socks and phone cables at his roadside stall. 'My day usually begins early as I try to find a place to set up my stall beside a walkway by 8am and work until 3pm. 'I get the socks and cables from small convenience stores around the area, then resell them for a small margin that is just barely enough for my daily meals and rental costs,' he said.
Malaysiakini
3 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Fahmi to sue govt
Good morning. Here's what you should know today. Key Highlights Fahmi to sue govt 37pct of May NS trainees absent Lynas expands to Kelantan Fahmi to sue govt Artist-activist Fahmi Reza will sue the government. This is after Fahmi was barred from leaving the country on Saturday. The prime minister sought answers, and police explained that the artist is not on a travel ban list, just a list of individuals who are under investigation. Top cop Razarudin Husain chalked the travel restriction down to "confusion" at the airport. Fahmi, however, is not satisfied with the explanations, saying they were merely passing blame instead of taking responsibility. HIGHLIGHTS 37pct of May NS trainees absent There were supposed to be 550 trainees partaking in the May-June session of the National Service (NS) 3.0 programme. However, a whopping 37 percent did not report for duty, citing health reasons and job commitments. The Defence Ministry said it will do a probe before resorting to disciplinary action. HIGHLIGHTS Lynas expands to Kelantan Lynas has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kelantan government. Last week, the Kelantan government asked the state to supply mixed rare earth carbonates as feedstock for Lynas' refinery in Gebeng, Pahang. This could mark the beginning of a shift in the Kelantan government's natural resource extraction policy, from timber to rare earth. This, in a state where ecological shifts have had a major impact on annual floods. HIGHLIGHTS Views that matter In case you missed it Other news that matter
