05/04/2025

SATURDAY | APR 5, 2025

6

Tuna landing hub boost to Penang economy GEORGE TOWN: Apart from its renowned street food and scenic beaches, Penang holds a unique distinction as Malaysia’s only tuna landing hub, where prized catches from the Indian Ocean arrive before being exported to international markets. These tuna, caught in the vast Indian Ocean, are carefully chilled and shipped to several countries, particularly Japan, where they are used for premium sashimi – one of the world’s most sought-after delicacies. State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol highlighted that Penang has been the main entry point for tuna in Malaysia since the early 1990s. “Many foreign vessels choose Penang as their landing site before processing and exporting the tuna to Taiwan or Japan.“ He said tuna landings bring significant economic benefits, supporting local industry players while boosting Malaysia’s seafood trade. With the increase in tuna landing activities, Fahmi believes Penang has the potential to develop a strong downstream industry, creating more jobs and attracting investments. “If we expand the tuna industry, it can create job opportunities not only in fisheries but also in related sectors such as fish processing, transportation and trade,” he told Bernama. Penang does not have a dedicated tuna processing industry. However, Fahmi is optimistic that with an increase in landings, the state could emerge as a key hub for tuna processing, supplying premium seafood products to both local and international markets. Apart from fisheries, he said the tuna industry could also boost tourism, particularly in areas where tuna landings and trade activities take place. “If well-developed, jetties and processing facilities could attract more visitors, as tuna landing operations are often a unique spectacle that draws public interest,” he said. Tuna remains a high-value commodity in international markets, and Penang’s role as a major landing hub is crucial to the industry’s expansion.

Reviving Wayang Kulit with a modern touch

o New storytelling approach and popular iconic characters infused into traditional Kelantanese shadow puppet show to rekindle public interest, attract young generation

KUALA LUMPUR: Concerns over the declining popularity of Wayang Kulit (traditional shadow puppet show) have driven three artistes to take an innovative approach to ensure the heritage art remains relevant, particularly among the young generation. Founded in 2012 by Muhammad Dain Othman and his two partners Tintoy Chuo and Teh Take Huat, Fusion Wayang Kulit blends traditional Kelantanese Wayang Kulit with modern elements, introducing new storytelling and iconic characters from popular culture to attract audiences. Muhammad Dain, 73, a 13th-generation Tok Dalang (puppet master) of traditional Kelantanese Malay Wayang Kulit , said shifting audience interests motivated them to innovate while

Kelantanese Wayang Kulit format by maintaining its five key characteristics – music, language or dialogue, performance, puppetry and characters. Muhammad Dain said his team also conducts workshops to train the younger generation in Wayang Kulit . Initially, Fusion Wayang Kulit faced resistance from traditionalists who believed their innovations compromised the authenticity of Wayang Kulit . However, after a clear explanation of the concept, many came to understand and accept it, he said. To date, Fusion Wayang Kulit has created shadow puppet designs of various characters inspired by DC superheroes (Justice League), Sony PlayStation video games (Horizon Forbidden West, God of War, The Last of Us, Ratchet & Clank, Ghost of Tsushima), Japanese mecha (Evangelion, Zaku from Gundam), Tokusatsu (Ultraman, Kamen Rider) and Venom. The Fusion Wayang Kulit team, consisting of about 20 members – including graphic designers, musicians, sound engineers, projection supervisors and the puppet master has also performed in Singapore, Thailand, Japan, China, Austria and Germany. They were also invited to give a lecture at Pixar Animation Studios in California in the United States. Fusion Wayang Kulit is also involved in puppet making and Wayang Kulit performances at an exhibition titled “A Life in Shadows: The Story of Wayang Kulit”, currently being at the Asian Art Museum at Universiti Malaya until April 30.

Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, C-3PO, Stormtroopers and the Star Destroyer Spaceship, with their first performance held in 2013. The debut performance was well received, opening doors for international showcases in Germany, Australia, China and Japan. Muhammad Dain said despite incorporating modern elements, they remained committed to preserving the traditional

preserving the original format of the art form. “Kelantanese Wayang Kulit is fading due to a lack of interest, especially among young people,” he told Bernama at the Fusion Wayang Kulit gallery at creative community mall GMBB in Bukit Bintang. Fusion Wayang Kulit’s first attempt at introducing a modern touch began by creating characters from the Star Wars franchise, including Darth Vader,

Muhammad Dain said his team also conducts workshops to generation in the art of Wayang Kulit. – BERNAMAPIC train the younger