SOME 70 fishermen received aid in the form of meat from a local development company.
Veteran fisherman Ahmad Rumli Sharif, 73, said the meat distribution was deeply meaningful.
“It’s not just the meat. It’s knowing that we’re remembered,” said Ahmad Rumli, his weathered face breaking into a grateful smile.
“This simple gesture means a lot. I have nine family members and I look forward to sharing this meat with them,” said Ahmad Rumli, who has been a fisherman since 1966.
The event was held at the Bukit Gemuruh Village Community Management Council (MPKK) hall in Teluk Kumbar, Penang.
It was organised by Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB) through the Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan (PPSN) team, and supported by the Southern Penang Fishermen Association (PNKPPS).
The aid was distributed to fishermen from several coastal villages in the southern part of Penang island, namely Permatang Tepi Laut, Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar and Gertak Sanggul.
Since its inception in 2016, PPSN has actively organised festive programmes for fishermen while gathering their feedback on the Silicon Island reclamation project off the southern coast of Penang island.
It also assists the fishermen in resolving various issues related to their jobs and registering them for the Social Impact Management Plan initiatives.
For fisherman Roslan Yob, 60, the initiative brought not only relief but also a sense of recognition.
“I am very happy. This may seem small to some, but to us, it shows we are being remembered.
“It would be great if this could be done every year. It really lifts our spirits,” said Roslan, who is single and lives alone.
PNKPPS president Badrul Hisham Hasim expressed his heartfelt appreciation to SIDSB for its ongoing commitment.
“We thank SIDSB for continuously looking after the welfare of our fishermen and their families.
“This is more than just aid. It is a symbol of care and unity within our fishing community.”
Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the programme was part of an ongoing commitment to uplift and appreciate the contributions of those playing a vital role in ensuring food security for the nation.
PIC is the state special-purpose vehicle overseeing the Silicon Island development and community engagement efforts, including initiatives such as this.
“We are humbled and grateful to be able to extend our support to the fisherfolk communities through the distribution of fresh meat.
Also present were PNKPPS deputy president Roslizan Ramli and SIDSB Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Management head Ann Tan.
The Silicon Island project is a Penang government-owned development, with SIDSB as the project developer.
SIDSB is a joint-venture company by PIC PD Sdn Bhd (30%) and SRS PD Sdn Bhd (70%).
SIDSB has awarded the design, management and construction of Phase 1 reclamation works of Silicon Island to turnkey contractor SRS TC Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gamuda Bhd.
