THE Silicon Island development is entering a new phase of community-centric progress as the project continues to roll out infrastructure upgrades alongside social welfare initiatives.
The recent relocation of the Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan (PPSN) to a temporary site in Permatang Damar Laut marks a significant milestone, ensuring that communication and support for the fishing community remain uninterrupted during construction.
The move allows for critical work to begin on a new pump house and suction tank to enhance irrigation efficiency.
The area is also set for a major facelift, including a modern food court, a new Village Community Management Council (MPKK) hall, and improved fishermen’s sheds.
Bayan Lepas assemblyman and Penang State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who officiated a Chinese New Year hamper and education incentive ceremony at the new site, said the Silicon Island project is a new engine of economic growth.
“Development in Permatang Damar Laut and its surrounding areas is now on a highly positive trajectory.
“The Silicon Island project is not merely a land reclamation initiative; it will position Penang as a global hub for high technology and innovation,” he said.
Azrul added that the vision for the area is comprehensive, aiming to create quality employment and empower local SMEs.
He also noted that the upcoming Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) project would revolutionise connectivity and shorten travel times for residents.
However, he stressed that the human element remains the priority.
“Building bridges, roads and smart islands is only one side of development. The more important side is the preparation of our human capital.
“All the infrastructure and economic opportunities will be meaningless if our local children are not equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead and benefit from them,” Azrul said.
During the event (Feb 12), Higher Education Admission Awards were presented to two fishermen’s children, Nur Iman Nabilah Hamdan and Siti Norzawani Mansor, who each received RM500 for their degree studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Johor and Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Melaka, respectively.
Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB) Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Management head Ann Tan said the temporary PPSN would continue to serve as a crucial communication bridge between the project developer and the local community.
“SIDSB reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that welfare assistance, engagement efforts and community feedback mechanisms remain uninterrupted throughout the construction phase,” she said.
Also present were Southern Penang Fishermen Association deputy chairman and Teluk Kumbar fishermen unit chief Roslizan Ramli and members of the local fishing community.
The event also saw the presentation of Chinese New Year hampers to 20 fishermen.
Batu Maung fisherman Gan Peng Wah expressed his gratitude, saying, “Our family can enjoy the goodies together during the Chinese New Year celebration.”
Gertak Sanggul fisherman Lim Poh Keat also thanked the state government and SIDSB for their support, expressing hope that the coming year would bring greater prosperity and improved livelihoods for the community.
Pix courtesy of SIDSB