ANOTHER 1,000 mangrove saplings now line the coast of Kuala Haji Ibrahim, symbolising the Penang government’s continued commitment to balancing rapid development with environmental sustainability.
This proactive step brings the state government one step closer to its ambitious target of planting 200,000 mangrove trees and suitable species by 2030, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC), the state Forestry Department and Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB) in January 2023.
To date, a total of 24,200 mangrove trees have been successfully planted at strategic locations, including Sungai Acheh, Sungai Chenaam, Changkat Fishermen’s Jetty and Pantai Malindo, serving as the state’s natural coastal defence.
Penang Rural, Agrotechnology, Food Security and Entrepreneurial Development Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol said the initiative is not merely a greening effort, but a strategic investment in coastal protection and the stability of the rural economy.
“I describe mangrove forests as ‘natural food production factories’. When the habitats of prawns, crabs and fish are preserved, we are in fact safeguarding protein supply and food security for the people of Penang,” he said when officiating the Mangrove Planting and Coastal Peat Swamp Forest Habitat Restoration Programme recently.
He also revealed that this sustainability vision will be extended to Silicon Island itself, with plans to plant 20,000 mangrove trees and suitable species on the reclaimed island.
“The uniqueness of the Silicon Island project lies in its status as reclaimed land, which provides urban planners the advantage of designing a master plan without geographical or legacy infrastructure constraints.
“This enables green zones to be strategically integrated from the outset of development, in realising the vision of Silicon Island as a sustainable smart city with a distinctive green coastal landscape,” he added.
Rashidi also emphasised that such conservation efforts open opportunities for green economic development, including eco-tourism and local entrepreneurship, while protecting coastal areas from erosion and climate change threats.
“The state government remains committed to ensuring that physical development, such as Silicon Island, does not neglect social and environmental responsibilities.
“The close collaboration between PIC, the Forestry Department and the project developer SIDS is proof that sustainability is placed at the forefront of governance,” he said.
Meanwhile, PIC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus stressed that the programme under the PSI Ecology Offset Masterplan (PEOM) forms part of an ongoing commitment to ensure that development progresses in tandem with biodiversity conservation.
“What we are doing today is not merely routine tree planting. It is a form of giving back to nature. These are small actions that create a significant impact for future generations,” he said.
He added that initiatives under PEOM adopt science-based approaches, including the deployment of artificial reefs, installation of fish aggregating devices (unjam), release of fish and prawns, as well as continuous marine research in collaboration with local experts.
Meanwhile, Penang Forestry Department deputy director (Operations) Rasyiffa Hayati Rasidan said the department fully supports the implementation of PEOM by contributing 500 mangrove saplings for the Mangrove Planting and Coastal Peat Swamp Forest Habitat Restoration Programme.
“The conservation of marine ecosystems and mangrove forests is not an easy task, but it is a responsibility we must all share.
“Mangrove forests play a crucial role not only in coastal protection, but also as a source of livelihood for local communities.
“Collective efforts like this are vital and aligned with national aspirations in supporting the Greening Malaysia Programme, while ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations,” she said.
The programme also saw participation from various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities and volunteers, reflecting a collective spirit in preserving natural heritage for generations to come.
Pix courtesy of Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd