Kuala lumpur: The Highest-Level Committee Meeting on Fisheries Industry Development and Empowerment (JPT-PPIP) No. 1/2026 today focused on empowering the development of the tuna industry as a high-value sector that has the potential to make Malaysia a regional tuna hub. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the development of a more efficient tuna supply chain from landing to processing is believed to be able to open up new economic opportunities and increase the competitiveness of the country's fisheries industry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the chairman of JPT-PPIP, mentioned that the meeting also examined the proposal to build Fish Landing Complexes in Hutan Melintang, Perak and Sandakan, Sabah. This move is seen as a strategic step to strengthen the industry's infrastructure and improve operational efficiency and marketing of local fisheries products.
In alignment with the MADANI Government's aspirations to strengthen the country's food security, various high-impact initiatives continue to be implemented. These include the modernisation of fishing vessels using automation and environmentally friendly technology, the strengthening of boatyard capacity, and the development of industrial support facilities, as stated by Ahmad Zahid in a statement after the JPT-PPIP meeting.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the government remained committed to ensuring the welfare of the fishing community through various forms of assistance and incentives. This includes the Fishermen's Living Allowance, catch incentives, subsidised diesel, and housing assistance specifically for B40 fishermen.
He also expressed confidence that through close cooperation between ministries, agencies, and industry players, the country's fisheries sector would develop more progressively, be competitive, and remain a sustainable source of livelihood for the fishing community. The meeting, previously known as the Meeting of the Highest Level Committee on Fishermen Development and Empowerment, is now rebranded as JPT-PPIP. This rebranding reflects the government's new direction in strengthening the entire ecosystem of the country's fisheries industry, encompassing capture fisheries, inland fisheries, and the aquaculture sector in a more integrated and sustainable manner.