GEORGE TOWN: Fish landings in the southern parts of Penang remained stable despite claims that the ongoing Silicon Island project had affected fishermen’s catch, says Datuk Rashidi Zinol.
The state state rural development, agro-technology, food security and entrepreneurship committee chairman said fishermen in Teluk Kumbar and Batu Maung recorded 472.44 tonnes of fish landings in 2023, increasing to 496.57 tonnes in 2025.
“This shows there has been no significant reduction or increase in catches.
“This also disproves claims that the development has affected the fishing industry in the area,” he said during the Penang state assembly sitting on Tuesday (May 13).
Rashidi said feedback received so far also showed that fishermen near the Silicon Island project had not experienced a situation where they returned without catches because of the reclamation works.
He was responding to a question from Mohamad Shukor Zakariah (PN-Pulau Betong) on whether the state government acknowledged that fishermen were being squeezed by development activities and rising operating costs.
Mohamad Shukor also asked about compensation payments linked to the Silicon Island reclamation project.
Rashidi said the state government remained committed to safeguarding fishermen’s welfare through various initiatives.
These included the Fishermen’s Living Allowance and diesel and petrol subsidy schemes to reduce operating costs, he said.
He said no compensation was paid as no fishermen or residents had to be relocated because of the reclamation works.
However, ex-gratia payments were still provided under the Social Impact Management Plan as a goodwill gesture and social commitment.
“So far, 795 registered and eligible fishermen have received RM11.85mil in ex-gratia payments,” he said.
Rashidi said other initiatives included providing bigger boats and engines, education aid for fishermen’s children and the establishment of the South Penang Island Community Cooperative.
Under the ecological offset masterplan, he said 25,000 fish and 52,000 prawns had been released into the sea.
He added that 24,200 mangrove trees had also been planted, along with the installation of artificial reefs and fish aggregating devices to preserve the marine ecosystem.
