Labuan Poised To Become Southeast Asia’s Next Tuna Port 

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, April 10 (Bernama) -- Labuan is emerging as a strong contender to become a major tuna port hub for Southeast Asia, thanks to its strategic location, deep-water harbour and the presence of key government agencies that support fisheries and export operations. 

With its proximity to rich tuna fishing grounds in Sabah waters, and well-established seafood processing infrastructure in this island, Labuan is seen as having immense potential to develop into a regional hub for the global tuna industry.

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Labuan Food Industries Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Lee Wei Sheng said the island has all the essential elements to become a global tuna port, serving the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) area, which is one of the world’s richest tuna fishing grounds.

“Labuan’s proximity to tuna-rich waters off Sabah, its natural harbour that can accommodate large tuna fishing fleets, carrier vessels and export container ships, make it ideal for this development,” he told Bernama today.

Lee said Labuan Food Industries, with over 35 years of experience in the tuna market and manufacturing sector, is ready to spearhead the initiative and has already briefed Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, on the proposal during her visit to the island’s tuna processing facility at Patau-Patau here recently.

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“Labuan’s existing infrastructure, including the Health Department, Fisheries Department, MAQIS (Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services), and other related agencies, is crucial for ensuring the timely processing of export documentation and health certifications for tuna products.

“Labuan’s connectivity via air and sea to international markets, supported by strong financial institutions, makes it a strategic base for the global tuna trade,” he said.

Lee highlighted that Labuan Food Industries has already penetrated major global markets including the United States, Europe, United Arab Emirates, Asia, and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Samoa). The company is currently collaborating with international players such as Frinsa, Sea Delight, Kibu, A.Y.A Fisheries, Fish Global, Atlantica, Tri Marine, Dongwon, Mical Seafood, and Malaysia’s Adabi.

“We are ready to present this proposal to the government and facilitate the setup of a dedicated tuna port in Labuan,” Lee said.

He also highlighted plans to acquire four additional vessels that would operate in the Pacific Ocean, as part of the company’s expansion efforts.

“If realised, the tuna port project could generate over 20,000 new jobs across various sectors, including processing of canned tuna, sashimi-grade tuna, fillet fish, cooked products, fish meal, and fish oil supplements,” he said.

Lee expressed optimism the development of a tuna industry hub in Labuan could significantly contribute to Malaysia’s gross domestic product, boosting both local and national economic growth.

-- BERNAMA