Penang's tuna landings doubled in 2024, state eyes processing hub potential
GEORGE TOWN, May 21 — The tuna landing industry in Penang saw significant growth as landings more than doubled in 2024, according to state executive councillor Fahmi Zainol.
He said the total tuna landings in 2024 amounted to 431,000 kilograms, valued at RM7.76 million.
'In comparison, this is almost double the 177,000 kilograms of tuna, valued at RM3.19 million, recorded in 2023,' he said during his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly today.
Fahmi, who chairs the Penang Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee, said the figures highlight the industry's huge potential.
'Penang has the capacity to become the main hub for tuna landings and processing, catering not only to the domestic market but also internationally,' he said.
He added that Penang will continue to enhance its facilities, infrastructure, logistics, and overall support services to boost the industry's development.
'The state is also considering several locations to establish new tuna landing ports,' he said.
However, he noted that finding suitable sites posed challenges, particularly regarding land availability and the required sea depth to accommodate tuna vessels.
Fahmi said the industry is expected to contribute positively to the state's economy by creating job opportunities and establishing related industries, such as high-tech tuna processing centres capable of producing premium-quality seafood for the global market.
'The exclusivity of a dedicated tuna landing port in Penang also holds potential as a tourism attraction,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
15 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Jakarta expects to conclude free trade talks with EU this month
Indonesia and the EU previously disagreed on trade rules for products with links to deforestation. (EPA Images pic) JAKARTA : Indonesia said today that free trade negotiations with the European Union, which have been going on for nine years, are expected to finish by the end of June. Airlangga Hartarto, the chief economic minister for Southeast Asia's biggest economy, met with EU commissioner for trade Maros Sefcovic in Brussels yesterday. 'Indonesia and the European Union have agreed to conclude outstanding issues and we are ready to announce a conclusion of substantial negotiations by the end of June 2025,' Airlangga said in a statement. He did not disclose details about what agreements may have been reached. Denis Chaibi, EU ambassador to Indonesia, said: 'Negotiations are ongoing and substance will determine timing. We will communicate in details when we have an outcome.' The EU is Indonesia's fifth biggest trade partner, with total trade between the two reaching US$30.1 billion last year. Indonesia had a US$4.5 billion trade surplus, Airlangga said. Indonesia and the EU have previously disagreed on EU trade rules for products with potential links to deforestation that could affect Indonesian palm oil, as well as Jakarta's ban on exports of raw minerals. Indonesian officials have been motivated to accelerate talks on free trade agreements, keen to diversify the country's export destinations as they deal with US tariff challenges. Seeking to end US trade deficits worldwide, US President Donald Trump announced sweeping 'reciprocal' tariffs that have since been paused until July. Indonesia is facing a 32% tariff rate.
Free Malaysia Today
15 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Issues over Petros nothing to do with Petronas layoffs, says Fadillah
Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said Petronas is relooking its entire operation because of the decline in crude oil prices. KUCHING : Petroliam Nasional Bhd's (Petronas) move to trim its workforce stems from global challenges and is not connected to the national oil firm's issues with Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros). Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said Petronas's restructuring plan is necessary amid the decline in crude oil prices. He said he plans to meet with the company to get more details of the exercise. 'That (the decline in crude oil prices) is why Petronas has to relook its entire operation. I'm planning a meeting with them to get a briefing on the matter and to ensure that the number of layoffs can be reduced, if not avoided,' he told reporters attending the Aidiladha sacrificial event at Taman Hussein Mosque here today. On June 5, Petronas president and CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik Aziz said the national oil firm is cutting 10% of its workforce to cope with challenging operating conditions, particularly because of falling crude prices. He said the number of staff involved in the downsizing process stands at about 5,000, and those affected will be notified in stages next year. On May 21, the federal and state governments reached an understanding on matters involving Petronas and Petros. According to the joint declaration, Petronas will continue its functions, activities, responsibilities and obligations entrusted to the company in Malaysia under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 and its regulations. Any agreements and arrangements between Petronas and its subsidiaries with third parties for the purpose of liquefied natural gas sales from upstream operations through to LNG exports to foreign parties remain unaffected. A media statement by the Prime Minister's Office following the joint declaration said all relevant federal and state laws relating to gas distribution in Sarawak are to co-exist and be respected by all parties.
Free Malaysia Today
16 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
MACC to file application to forfeit Ilham Tower
MACC seized Ilham Tower yesterday for the second time. (Website pic) PETALING JAYA : The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission will file an application to forfeit the Ilham Tower in Kuala Lumpur next week, says its chief, Azam Baki. Azam said the forfeiture application would be filed under Section 55 or 56 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla), Utusan Malaysia reported. Section 56 of Amla provides for the forfeiture of property where there is no prosecution, if a High Court judge is satisfied that the asset was the subject-matter or evidence relating to the commission of an offence under the Act, the proceeds of an unlawful activity, or the instrumentalities of an offence. MACC first seized the 274m-tall tower owned by the late Daim Zainuddin and his family under the MACC Act in December 2023. It previously said it could seize the tower for up to 18 months pending investigations. Yesterday, it announced it had seized the tower again, this time under Amla. Daim's widow, Naimah Khalid, plans to challenge the seizure in court. Last month, MACC opened eight new investigation papers into 'high-value' assets linked to Daim and his family members after receiving new information from overseas.
