FOR fishermen along the southern coast of Penang island, this year’s National Day celebrations carried added significance with the gift of new boats and engines to improve their operations and safety.
The assistance, provided under Penang’s Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), benefitted 12 active fishermen, while 30 food baskets were distributed to the Gertak Sanggul fishing community.
Southern Penang Fishermen Association (PNKPPS) deputy president and Teluk Kumbar Fishermen’s Unit head Roslizan Ramli, 46, who has been using his old boat for 16 years, said the assistance was particularly meaningful.
“This assistance makes our operations easier and provides greater safety.
“For me, the meaning of National Day is when fishermen also feel the government’s attention and concern.
“This assistance is extremely valuable because not all of us can afford to buy a new boat and engine on our own,” he said during the presentation ceremony.
Fellow recipient Lee Ah Hoo, 68, who has made a living at sea for more than 50 years, said the new engine eased his concerns about breakdowns and helped reduce maintenance costs for his more than 10-year-old boat.
“The old engine often gave me problems, especially when I was out at sea, and repairs can be costly.
“With the new engine, I can go out to sea with greater peace of mind and focus on earning a living,” he said.
Roslizan and Lee were among the 12 active fishermen who received new boats and engines under SIMP in conjunction with National Month celebrations.
As of Aug 31, a total of 194 out of 294 eligible active fishermen received new boats and engines under SIMP, involving an investment of RM17.46mil.
The programme also covered ex-gratia payments, business and employment opportunities, as well as education programmes for fishermen’s children.
Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the initiative reflected the continued commitment to help fishermen and their families build better lives.
He also urged fishermen to take advantage of the skills training programmes provided to create employment opportunities through the Silicon Island project.
Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz said National Day celebrations was not merely about commemorating history or flying the Jalur Gemilang, but also about safeguarding the well-being of the people, including coastal communities.
On development along the southern coast of Penang, including the Silicon Island project, he said progress must be pursued in a balanced manner without compromising the identity and interests of the local community.
“We are developing the state not merely for today, but to create new choices and opportunities for future generations,” he said.
Also present were Gertak Sanggul Fishermen Unit head Wong Boon Ee and Gertak Sanggul Village Community Management Council (MPKK) chairman Leong Kein Cheong.
