THE Penang government is making major strides in its agrotechnology and food security sectors, with significant developments in tuna landings, strategic agricultural technology partnerships, and durian industry reforms, says state executive councillor Fahmi Zainol.
Fahmi, who oversees the Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development portfolios, highlighted a sharp rise in tuna landings in Penang.
“In 2023, tuna landings totalled 177,000 kilograms with an estimated value of RM3.19 million. This figure has more than doubled in 2024, with 431,000 kilograms landed, worth approximately RM7.76 million.
“This impressive growth reflects the state’s strong potential to become a central hub for tuna landing and processing, not just for the domestic market but also internationally,” Fahmi (PH-Pantai Jerejak) told the State Legislative Assembly during his winding-up speech at the State Assembly Building in Light Street today.
Fahmi also stressed that the Penang government is committed to long-term strategies to boost this industry by enhancing facilities, infrastructure, logistics, and support services.
“The state government is currently evaluating several sites to establish a new tuna landing port. However, land ownership and water depth remain challenges for anchoring tuna vessels.
“Despite these hurdles, the state government sees this initiative as a key driver of economic and social development, creating new job opportunities and encouraging downstream industries such as high-tech tuna processing centres.
“These centres aim to produce premium seafood products for the global market,” he said.
Fahmi also noted that the exclusive nature of tuna landing operations in Penang holds potential as a new tourism product that could attract both domestic and international visitors.
On a separate matter, in response to concerns raised by local farmers about fraud and exploitation involving Penang durians, Fahmi said the state government has forged a strategic partnership with Mimos Berhad to develop a smart ‘Track and Trace’ technology platform.
“This initiative will provide end-to-end monitoring of locally grown durians to enhance transparency and trust in the product.
“This digital solution is expected to improve operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect the integrity of Penang’s durian industry,” he added.
Fahmi emphasised that this move is part of broader efforts by the state government to strengthen the durian industry and safeguard the interests of local growers.
To improve crop yields, the Penang government has introduced the ‘Photosynthesis Booster Solution Program’, featuring QarboGrow technology.
“This innovation is designed to enhance plant photosynthesis efficiency and has been tested in Malaysia and Indonesia, where it has demonstrated yield increases of 15% to 40% in paddy production.
“This programme reflects Penang’s commitment to using modern agricultural technology to improve food security and farmer productivity,” he said.
Fahmi also shared updates on the state’s APEX Project, an ambitious initiative targeting local farmers.
“The initiative involves the creation of a pilot farm equipped with a controlled environment system.
“This includes greenhouses, automated ventilation and screening systems, plant growth drivers, cartridge systems, centralised control systems, seedling propagation infrastructure, and a dedicated research laboratory.
“This project also aims to nurture young talent in the agricultural sector and support innovation in sustainable farming practices,” he said.
Touching on the Cap Feri rice that was launched by the Penang government in December last year, Fahmi reiterated the state government’s clear and consistent stance on the Cap Feri rice initiative.
He emphasised that the primary objective of the programme is to support the B40 income group in Penang.
“The introduction of Cap Feri rice provides an alternative avenue for paddy farmers to sell their produce.
“The increase in rice processing plants, from seven to eight, offers farmers greater options and potentially better prices for their harvests,” he said.
Fahmi also drew a comparison with the government’s Jualan Rahmah initiative under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), which receives an annual subsidy allocation of RM300 million.
“For example, the price of rice sold under Jualan Rahmah is RM15 per bag, made possible through government subsidies. Meanwhile, Cap Feri rice is also sold at RM15 per bag at Jualan Agro Madani events — but without any state government subsidy or production costs that are borne by the Penang government,” he explained.
He highlighted that despite the absence of subsidies, the Cap Feri rice programme effectively meets its target of assisting around 48,000 members of the B40 group within a short span of three to four months.
Fahmi stressed that not a single sen of public funds has been used to finance the production of Cap Feri rice.
“All production costs are 100% covered by the rice producers themselves. No taxpayer money is involved in this initiative,” he added.
He said to date, a total of 124 Jualan Agro Madani events have been held across Penang in 2024, and the response to Cap Feri rice at these events has been overwhelmingly positive.
“As of March 20, a total of 16,000 bags of rice, amounting to 80 metric tonnes, have been sold, generating RM272,000 in revenue,” Fahmi said.
“This proved that the Cap Feri initiative not only supports the local economy but also provides much-needed relief to the lower-income community — all without imposing a financial burden on the state’s resources,” he concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal