BUTTERWORTH: Malaysia has the potential to become a regional hub for tuna transhipment if efforts are made to strengthen the development of downstream industries and related shipping facilities.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that this move is crucial to ensure that deep-sea catches, particularly tuna, are no longer exported in their raw form, which deprives the country of valuable added income.
"Malaysia cannot afford to be merely a spectator; we must seize the opportunities. The global tuna industry is valued at approximately USD42 billion annually and is projected to grow to USD54 billion by 2032," he said at a press conference on Tuesday (Sept 16), following the signing of a new strategic agreement between Asia Ocean Resources Sdn Bhd and Penang Port Sdn Bhd to land frozen tuna at -60°C.
Ahmad Zahid said this initiative strengthens the national blue economy sector, enhances food security, develops human capital, and boosts Malaysia's competitiveness in the deep-sea fishing industry.
He added that the launch of their new premium seafood product line, Shinkai Origin, enables Malaysia's deep-sea brand to penetrate international premium markets, including the European Union, the Middle East, BRICS nations, and the United States.
Apart from adding value to the country's exports, he said the project also opened up job opportunities and trained skilled workers through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
"During the recent Budget engagement session of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, I proposed establishing maritime TVET to train young people in deep-sea fishing, ship maintenance and tuna processing. This is a new cluster with great potential," he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to industrial companies that provided opportunities for TVET students to undergo practical training in shipyards and deep-sea vessels, thus accelerating technology transfer from developed countries such as Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
Ahmad Zahid said Penang would act as a catalyst for developing a regional tuna hub, moving beyond a mere landing centre to become a focal point for processing, research, TVET training, and global trade. – Bernama
