THE Penang government’s initiative to develop tuna fish landing industry has been met with a positive response from the trawlers.
State Health, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin had been reported to have said that the state, through Fisheries Department, aimed to grow the industry to a further level.
On this, Tanjong Tokong fisherman Rahim Abd Kadir, 42, told Buletin Mutiara in an interview that he fully supported the government’s commitment to developing the industry again.
“The tuna industry is a potential sector to assist the state in its economic growth and will also see the increase of the nation’s from the industry.
“However, a detailed proposal on the initiative needs to be revealed to ensure a clearer frame of picture. A proper mechanism needs to take place.”
His friend Abdul Jalil Natarhan, 27, also concurred with Rahim’s views.
“This is a good move by the government as it also helps to increase job opportunities. I appreciate the government’s effort but further study must be done on this.”
Another fisherman, Shaari Saud, 50, also praised the state’s efforts but hopes that the state would provide more information related to the industry.
Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Jeffrey Chew, in a statement, said PPC was always ready to discuss with the state as well as entrepreneurs to make this initiative a success.
“We welcome state’s plan,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi