Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad delivering his speech at the ceremony.

LUMUT, 23 February 2025 – Perak is now ready to advance further in developing a comprehensive and holistic blue economy by optimising its natural resources wealth, thus making the state a main hub for the blue economy in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

Perak Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad said this when officiating the Perak Blue Economy Roadmap Launch Ceremony at Jeti Terapung here.

"Perak has a strategic advantage that should be capitalised on, with a coastline of 397.5 km, 32 small islands rich in biodiversity, the 400 km long Perak River, and 42.7 thousand hectares of mangrove forests; the state is in a very good position to emerge as a leader in the blue economy in Malaysia.

"In 2023, Perak contributed 22.8% of the country's fisheries production, totalling 407,000 metric tonnes. Our marine fish landing revenue amounted to RM2.53 billion.

"Perak is also the main producer of cockles in Malaysia, with a production of 14.5 thousand metric tonnes from an area of 3,315 hectares in Manjung, Larut Matang, Selama, Kerian and Bagan Datuk. These data clearly demonstrate the capability and competitiveness of Perak's fisheries industry in the domestic and international markets.

"With a strong foundation in the fisheries sector, Perak is now poised to go further in developing the blue economy holistically, including through the development of the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC), strengthening maritime tourism and renewable energy exploration.

"This large-scale project is not just an infrastructure development – it is a catalyst that will revolutionise the maritime and logistics industry sector in Perak. Moreover, the collaboration with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium, further strengthens Perak's position as a global trade hub," he elaborated.

In addition, the state government is committed to environmental conservation, including the restoration of coral reefs in the Sembilan Islands, redevelopment of the Kuala Gula Forest Reserve, and enactment of the Water Resources Bill (RUUSA) to strengthen water resources management.

Also present were State Secretary Dato' Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, State Legal Adviser Dato' Azmir Shah Zainal Abidin, State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee Chairman Dato' Mohd Zolkafly Harun, State Economic Planning Unit Senior Deputy Director Haslinda Alias, Manjung District Officer Shamsul Ridzuan Idris, Manjung Municipal Council President Muhammad Faizal Shah Safian Suri, and heads of state and federal departments.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.