Penang: Malaysia’s Premier Tuna Landing Hub

Penang is not only famous for its street food and scenic beaches but also holds the unique distinction of being Malaysia’s sole tuna landing hub. The state is where prized catches from the Indian Ocean are brought in before being exported to international markets.

These tuna, carefully chilled in preparation for export, are especially sought after in Japan to produce premium sashimi, a delicacy of global renown. Penang has served as Malaysia’s principal tuna entry point since the early 1990s, according to Fahmi Zainol, Chairman of the State Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee.

“Many foreign vessels, including those from Taiwan, choose Penang as their landing site before processing and exporting the tuna back to Taiwan or Japan,” Fahmi explained. This activity provides significant economic benefits, supporting local industry players and boosting Malaysia’s seafood trade. Fahmi sees the potential for a robust downstream industry in Penang, which could lead to job creation and increased investment.

“If we expand the tuna industry, it can create job opportunities not only in fisheries but also in related sectors such as fish processing, transportation, and trade,” he told Bernama. Although Penang currently lacks a dedicated tuna processing industry, Fahmi is optimistic about its potential rise as a key processing hub with increased landings, providing 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. Fahmi also noted that the tuna industry might provide a boost to tourism, particularly in areas where landings take place. “If well-developed, jetties and processing facilities could attract more visitors, as tuna landing operations are often a unique spectacle that draws public interest,” he observed.

With its crucial role as a landing hub, Penang remains vital in the tuna industry’s expansion, with tuna as a high-value commodity worldwide. Fahmi stated that tuna landings currently occur at Dermaga Dalam, Butterworth, which plays an essential role in sustaining the local economy. Previously, the government had established the Batu Maung Fisheries Complex under the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM). However, sedimentation issues made the facility unsuitable for tuna landings back in 2015, leading to the designation of Dermaga Dalam, Butterworth, as the new site.

“In 2023, a total of 16 vessels landed 3.13 million kilogrammes of tuna, valued at RM3.191 million. We are still awaiting the full figures for last year, but I hope to see even higher tuna landings this year, further strengthening Penang’s position as Malaysia’s premier tuna hub,” Fahmi stated.