Federal govt launches key measures to develop tuna industry

 By Olivia Miwil - November 22, 2021 @ 5:23pm

The federal government has launched two key measures to develop the country’s tuna industry, said Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee. -NSTP file pic

LABUAN: The federal government has launched two key measures to develop the country's tuna industry, said Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.

He said the two – the Tuna Industry Development Strategic Plan 2021-2030 and Tuna Industry Development Strategic Plan for South China Sea, Sulu Sea and Sulawesi Sea 2021-2030 – would target competitive outcomes to ensure the development of the country's tuna industry can be implemented more comprehensively.

Both also aimed for the development of modern marine fisheries vessels in an integrated manner, compliance with domestic and international resolutions to at least 85 per cent, and an increase in the product-based market of high value tuna domestically and internationally.

"Although Sabah and Labuan are located next to West Malaysia, tuna catches in the South China Sea, Sulu Sea and Sulawesi Sea need to be given attention and managed well to increase tuna landings and the economic output of local fishermen," Kiandee said in a statement.

The strategic plan involving the three seas is also to increase landings from those waters in a sustainable manner in accordance with international standards, catalyse development through private investment, as well as develop human capital in the tuna catch, among others.

Kiandee said this could be done through an increase in the number of deep sea and tuna vessels operating in Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone and the high seas, which could increase tuna landings to 150,000 metric tonnes.

He said under the 12 Malaysia Plan, the federal government has also allocated RM14 million to the Fisheries Department to conduct deep sea and tuna development projects to increase landings.

"With this initiative, the management and control of commercial fisheries can be enhanced through digital platforms, improvements to international compliance, landing facilities and handling of fishery products.

"(However), these two plans require the cooperation of all parties, especially ministries, departments, agencies, industry players, the private sector and fishermen in particular to ensure that the tuna industry in the fisheries sector continues to thrive and benefits all stakeholders."