DREDGING is being carried out at Permatang Tepi Laut to resolve a siltation problem affecting Penang fishermen.
Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB) strategic communications and stakeholder management director Azmi Mohamad said it was brought forward to address long-standing navigation issues faced by fishermen on the southern coast of Penang island.
“We remain committed to providing a more efficient and safer navigation route for fishermen.”
He said temporary trenching work was also being carried out in Permatang Tengah to improve boat passage.
However, dredging operations must follow tidal schedules due to the size of the cutter suction dredger to ensure safety and smooth execution, he added.
The contractor is working with the Persatuan Komuniti Permatang Damar Laut on daily manual beach cleaning, while the Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan (PPSN) team monitors the site twice daily during high and low tides.
He said the dredging works, ongoing since March 6, were initially planned to begin after the completion of the Silicon Island reclamation.
Azmi said this during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri food distribution programme at Permatang Tepi Laut Fishermen’s Unit Hall where 89 fishermen received aid.
He said the welfare of fishermen remained a priority under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP).
“To date, 148 fishermen have received new boats and engines at an estimated cost of RM13.32mil, while RM11.8mil in ex-gratia payments have been distributed to 795 fishermen,” he added.
Bayan Lepas assemblyman and Penang State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz said the assistance went beyond equipment.
“These initiatives include educational support for fishermen’s children through free tuition as well as employment opportunities,” he said.
Permatang Tepi Laut fishermen’s unit chief Khairi Saaroni said the festive contribution showed continued concern for local fishermen who played a crucial role in ensuring sufficient domestic seafood supply amid global uncertainties that could affect imported fish prices.
Also present at the programme was Penang Island City Council councillor Mohd Aidil Fitri Ibrahim who presented a RM2,000 contribution on behalf of the Bayan Baru parliamentary office.
Silicon Island is designed to anchor Penang’s long-term growth, bringing together world-class infrastructure, sustainable development practices and community-focused facilities.
The reclamation project, covering 930.77ha, is being developed in two phases, that is 513.95ha under Phase One and 416.82ha under Phase Two.
Upon completion, the island will house the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot and a Green Tech Park.
It is also a key component of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A), a strategic initiative to improve connectivity between Silicon Island and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge.
