SEVEN fishermen in Permatang Damar Laut, Penang, have received newly built, weather-protected sheds to store their nets and equipment, providing safer and better-organised facilities as part of the ongoing coastal infrastructure upgrades.
The replacement sheds, built by Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB) and Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB), make way for new community amenities, including a pump house, suction tank, food court and multipurpose hall, while ensuring the fishermen’s daily operations remain well-supported.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid handed over the facilities at the Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan (PPSN) in Permatang Damar Laut on Friday (Nov 13).
The Batu Maung assemblyman, who is also Fishermen Taskforce Committee chairman, said the state government remained committed to ensuring Silicon Island’s development progressed in tandem with community welfare under the MANTAP Batu Maung Agenda.
“Development should not focus solely on providing physical infrastructure but must also take into account the welfare and needs of the communities directly affected by it,” he said.
He added that the existing sheds would be demolished to make way for a multipurpose hall with a badminton court, a new PPSN office and the Matang Food Court.
PICSB chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, who was also present, said construction of the Matang Food Court, which began on July 1, had reached 75% completion and was scheduled for completion by December to create new business opportunities for locals.
“For us at PICSB and SIDSB, the success of an infrastructure project is measured not merely by its physical structures, but by the sustainable benefits it brings to the communities around it,” he said.
Southwest District officer Datuk Rosli Halim said the land and seven sheds remained state government assets under the supervision of the Southwest District and Land Office (PDTDBD), with recipients selected following an assessment by the Fishermen Selection Committee in February.
“The sheds were built according to standardised specifications and a design concept also adopted in Kampung Binjai.
“They are intended solely for storing fishing nets and equipment, without individual utility facilities such as water and electricity supply,” he said, reminding recipients to maintain cleanliness and not transfer ownership without PDTDBD approval.
Addressing separate concerns over silt accumulation that has made boat navigation difficult, Dr Mohamad said trenching works had been carried out as a short-term measure, while comprehensive dredging works were being planned as a long-term solution in collaboration with PICSB, SIDSB and relevant agencies.
“In this regard, we greatly appreciate the cooperation and patience shown by the fishermen as these mitigation measures are coordinated towards a comprehensive and sustainable solution,” he said.
For 68-year-old fisherman Rossli Yusoff from the Permatang Tepi Laut Fishermen’s Unit, the handover brought welcome relief after decades at sea.
“My old shed was almost 20 years old. I am very happy to have received this new shed,” said Rossli, who has been a fisherman for 40 years.
Pix courtesy of Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd