PENANG has taken a significant step forward in the tuna industry with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Asia Ocean Resources Sdn Bhd (AORSB) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB).
The ceremony, held at the Butterworth Deep Water Wharves (BDWW), Dermaga Dalam today, positions Penang Port as a key hub in the region.
The signing was witnessed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and State Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman, Fahmi Zainol.
AORSB was represented by its director Simon Pua, while PPSB was represented by MMC Port Holdings Berhad’s chief executive officer, Datuk Azman Shah Mohd Yusof.
The event featured the landing of -60°C super-frozen tuna, a premium-grade product destined for global markets.
According to Azman, under the MoA, AORSB will invest RM19 million to develop a deep-freeze warehouse facility and a ‘tuna skid tank’ at the BDWW on a 29-year leasehold site.
“This investment is not merely about infrastructure development. It signifies a long-term commitment to establishing an ecosystem designed to meet the European Union’s (EU) most stringent standards.
“This marks a landmark shift that will pave the way for high-quality tuna products from regional waters to enter premium global markets, including Europe and the United States,” Azman said in his speech at the event.
He added that the initiative will create positive ripple effects, strengthening Penang Port as a key logistics hub for tuna landing and processing.
“It will transform the port from a conventional cargo facility to a strategic gateway for high-value seafood supply chains, enhancing its importance in the international fisheries industry.
“More importantly, this project will serve as a vital economic driver for Butterworth and the state of Penang.
“It is expected to create new skilled employment opportunities, spur growth in supporting industries such as logistics and related services, and boost the nation’s export value,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hamidi said the launch of the premium tuna brand ‘Shinkai Origin’ marks a pivotal step in placing Malaysian seafood on the global stage.
“This initiative supports the goals of the 13th Malaysia Plan, which focuses on high-value and advanced technology industries, especially in the blue economy, TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), innovation, and food security.
“The premium tuna project shows how strategic investments in the maritime sector can generate billions in export value, improve national food security, create new economic opportunities, and help Malaysia become a regional hub for the blue economy,” he added.
Hamidi also expressed hope that the tuna landings at BDWW would extend to Bagan Datuk, encouraging more downstream activities.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar