THE Penang government, through the Silicon Island project developer, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB), has increased the number of boat suppliers from one to three fabricators to expedite assistance under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP).
This measure was taken following suggestions from the fishermen, demonstrating the state government’s attentiveness to the needs and concerns of the local community.
Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the state government aims to complete the provision of new boats and engines to all eligible Phase 1 boat owners by the second half of 2027.
“To date, a total of 148 fishermen, or 50 per cent of the 294 active boat owners, have received the assistance, involving an allocation of RM13.32mil,” he said during the Jalinan Aidilfitri Bersama Komuniti Nelayan programme organised by SIDSB, attended by more than 200 fishermen and their families from the Permatang Tepi Laut area today.
In his speech, Farizan also updated on proactive efforts that began on March 6 to address navigation and siltation issues in the Permatang Damar Laut area.
“Dredging works to deepen the channel are indeed a requirement under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval.
“However, under the original plan, our commitment to provide this navigation channel was only after the island project is fully completed, which was initially expected around 2030 for Phase 1.
“Nevertheless, after hearing the concerns and noting that the siltation has caused difficulties for access to the sea making it an urgent need for fishermen in the Permatang Tepi Laut Unit, we have decided to prioritise and commence these works ahead of the original schedule,” he explained.
Farizan also sought the community’s understanding regarding technical constraints, as dredging operations are highly dependent on tidal schedules due to limitations on the size of machinery vessels that can be deployed.
“Dredging works can only be carried out effectively according to specific tidal conditions to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
“Despite these constraints, I, on behalf of the Penang government, give assurance of our continued commitment to prioritising these works to ensure smooth passage for fishermen’s boats so they can head out to sea more easily and efficiently,” he said.
As an additional proactive measure, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I and chairman of the Fishermen Taskforce Committee Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said the contractor is also working with the Persatuan Komuniti Permatang Damar Laut to carry out manual cleaning three times a week while awaiting the completion of a permanent solution.
He emphasised that the state government’s development philosophy is anchored on the principle of “Inclusive Development” through Silicon Island, which is expected to generate 220,000 direct and indirect job opportunities across various high-technology sectors.
He also urged fishermen to prioritise their children’s educational excellence as preparation to become the state’s future workforce, capable of competing in the modern world while staying rooted in their heritage.
“From a sustainability perspective, the state government, through the PSI Ecology Offset Masterplan (PEOM), has implemented pilot efforts to restore marine stock through the release of fish and tiger prawns in collaboration with the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, the Department of Fisheries, and the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM).
“These efforts are further strengthened by the planting of more than 24,200 mangrove trees to date to reinforce the natural coastal buffer over the long term,” he said.
Today’s event also witnessed the symbolic handover of replica keys for new boats and engines to 20 fishermen under the SIMP scheme. Also present at the event were district and land office southwest district officer Datuk Rosli Halim, SIDSB strategic communications and stakeholder management director Azmi Mohamad, as well as representatives from LKIM Penang and the Southern Penang Fishermen’s Association (PNKPPS).
Pix courtesy of Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd