Pulau pangkor: Pulau Pangkor has emerged as the largest contributor to anchovy landings in Perak with a record of 2,844.44 tonnes worth RM42.67 million in 2024. The Department of Fisheries (DOF) Malaysia said the achievement underscores the significant role of Pulau Pangkor in the country's fisheries industry, especially the anchovy fishing sector.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the anchovy landings in Malaysia in 2024 totaled 14,589.20 tonnes valued at RM164.89 million, referring to the same species, Ikan Bilis/Bunga Air, as categorized in official records. Among the main producing states are Sabah with 5,956.17 tonnes, Perak with 2,852.91 tonnes, Kedah with 1,818.98 tonnes, and Kelantan with 992.65 tonnes.

The statement also noted that the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, had earlier conducted a working visit to the anchovy industry area on Pulau Pangkor earlier today. Pulau Pangkor currently has 694 vessels registered in various operational zones, namely Zone A with 462 vessels, Zone B with 44 vessels, Zone C with 168 vessels, and Zone C2 with 20 vessels which allows the landing of various fish species, including anchovies.

The statement further revealed that apart from anchovies, statistics also showed that among the top 10 species landed in Manjung Selatan in 2024 were pelaring, tongkol (skipjack tuna), tamban sisek, selayang, kembong (Indian mackerel), cincaru, selar, white shrimp, and squid, with a total landing value of RM644.08 million.

Pulau Pangkor also contributes to Perak's aquaculture sector with a production of 7,056.40 tonnes in 2024 through brackish water pond farming systems, cages, shellfish farming, freshwater ponds, hatcheries, and freshwater ornamental fish farming across an area of over 1,264 hectares. Pulau Pangkor remains an important location in the national fisheries industry with its strategic advantage as a centre for high-quality anchovy production which is a benchmark for the industry.