PENANG has formally realised its long-standing ambition of becoming a deep-sea port for premium tuna, following 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 recently upgraded Butterworth Deep Water Wharves in Bagan Dalam, positions Malaysia’s oldest port as a pivotal logistics hub for the region.
The port’s reach is expected to extend across the northern tip of Sumatra in Indonesia, southern Thailand, and potentially further to southern India and Bangladesh.
The MoA, focused on the in-port landing and processing of super-frozen, premium-grade tuna for global export, was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, and state executive councillor for agrotechnology and food security, Fahmi Zainol.
MMC Port Holdings Berhad CEO Datuk Azman Shah Mohd Yusof signed on behalf of PPSB, while AORSB was represented by director Simon Pua.
“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 most stringent standards,” said Azman, announcing AORSB’s RM19 million investment in a deep-freeze warehouse and tuna skid tank at the port under a 29-year leasehold arrangement.
He added that the move is expected to create positive ripple effects throughout the industry, transforming Penang Port from a conventional cargo facility into a strategic gateway for high-value seafood supply chains.
“This will enhance the port’s role within the international fisheries industry, enabling high-quality tuna from regional waters to reach premium markets, including Europe and the United States.”
Penang has long been touted as a logical choice for a tuna port due to its geographic advantage, though real progress only materialised recently through renewed interest from AORSB.
Among those present were PPSB chairman Datuk Syed Aidid Syed Murtaza and PPSP CEO Dato’ Sasedharan Vasudevan.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid, meanwhile, hailed the launch of the premium tuna brand ‘Shinkai Origin’ as a landmark in elevating Malaysian seafood to global standards.
“This initiative supports the goals of the 13th Malaysia Plan, which prioritises high-value, advanced technology sectors—particularly within the blue economy, TVET, innovation, and food security,” he said.
“The premium tuna project illustrates how strategic maritime investments can yield billions in export value, enhance national food security, open up new economic opportunities, and position Malaysia as a regional leader in the blue economy.” - September 17, 2025
