More suppliers found to provide new vessels for fishermen
THE Penang government has increased the number of boat suppliers from one to three, to speed up the delivery of assistance to fishermen affected by the Silicon Island project.
Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the move, implemented through Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB), followed feedback from fishermen and aimed to expedite aid under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP).
“To date, a total of 148 fishermen, or 50% of the 294 active boat owners, have received the assistance, involving an allocation of RM13.32mil,” he said during a Hari Raya event attended by over 200 fishermen and their families from the Permatang Tepi Laut area.
He added that the state aimed to complete the provision of new boats and engines to all eligible Phase One recipients by the second half of next year.
He also said dredging works, which began on March 6 to address navigation and siltation issues in Permatang Damar Laut, had been brought forward from the original timeline.
“Under the initial plan, the navigation channel was to be completed after the island project was fully done, around 2030 for Phase One.
“However, after hearing concerns that siltation had made access to the sea difficult, we decided to prioritise and commence these works ahead of schedule.”
Farizan said that dredging operations depended on tidal conditions due to technical limitations, but assured that efforts would continue to ensure smoother access for fishermen.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister I and Fishermen Taskforce committee chairman Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said additional short-term measures included manual cleaning carried out three times a week in collaboration with the Persatuan Komuniti Permatang Damar Laut.
He said the Silicon Island project was guided by an “inclusive development” approach and was expected to generate 220,000 direct and indirect job opportunities across high-technology sectors.
Mohamad also highlighted sustainability efforts under the PSI Ecology Offset Masterplan, including the release of fish and tiger prawns as well as the planting of over 24,200 mangrove trees to strengthen coastal resilience.
During the event, 20 fishermen received mock keys symbolising the handover of new boats and engines under the SIMP scheme.
Also present were Southwest District officer Datuk Rosli Halim, SIDSB strategic communications and stakeholder management director Azmi Mohamad, as well as representatives from Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) Penang and the Southern Penang Fishermen’s Association.
