KUALA LUMPUR: Proposals to create a new tuna landing port in Penang will require various studies and engagement with stakeholders before a final decision is made, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said his ministry received an application by the Penang state government to set up a new tuna landing port in the state under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) that will be announced this Thursday (July 31).
Mohamad said establishing a new tuna landing port in Penang will depend on a feasibility study, a social cost-benefit analysis, a due diligence review, an environmental impact assessment, and engagement with the local fishermen community.
“This is to ensure planning that is more thorough, sustainable and community-centred,” said Mohamad in a parliamentary written reply dated July 28.
Mohamad also said the Fisheries Department has applied for development allocation under RMK13 to upgrade fishery landing and handling facilities at Wharf 6, Deep Sea Wharf in Butterworth.
“This project aims to improve the management capacity of deep sea landings such as tuna in a more systematic and competitive manner,” added Mohamad.
Presently, the commercial port at the Butterworth deep-water wharf is designated as the tuna landing site.
In 2023, 16 vessels landed 177,000kg of tuna, valued at RM3.191mil.
Last year, total landings surged, reaching about 433,000kg, with an estimated value of RM7.76mil.
