KKPPSB opens new office, supports economic empowerment for local fishing community

KOPERASI Komuniti Pulau Pinang Selatan Berhad (KKPPSB) celebrated the grand opening of its new office recently, underscoring its commitment to bolstering services and fostering economic growth within the local community.

The launch event was officiated by Penang Agrotechnology, Food Security and
Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol, who is also the adviser to KKPPSB.

“The opening of this office signifies KKPPSB’s dedication to supporting economic empowerment for the fishing community and local residents through a range of cooperative programmes and initiatives, including those under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP),” Fahmi remarked in his opening address.

He added that the office’s establishment is more than just a physical milestone; it represents KKPPSB’s sustained commitment to securing long-term economic benefits for its members, especially fishermen engaged in the Silicon Island project.

As of September this year (2024), KKPPSB has 1,366 members, including 368
fishermen.

While registration has closed for community members and agencies (Categories 2 and 3), it remains open for eligible fishermen under Category 1.

Fahmi encouraged eligible fishermen from the southern part of the Penang island to register to access benefits, including future collaborations in aquaculture and seafood marketing through the Samudera Initiative.

This initiative aims to provide a stable income stream for fishermen while generating dividends for cooperative members.

“At the second Annual General Meeting (AGM), KKPPSB declared a 5% dividend for its members, reflecting the cooperative’s dedication to enhancing value for the fishing community,” Fahmi noted.

Under the SIMP, the state government has distributed 98 boats and engines to eligible fishermen. Distribution to the Permatang Tepi Laut fishermen has concluded, with further distributions planned for units in Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar, and Gertak Sanggul according to their SIMP registration order.

“If there are boats that have become unsafe or unusable, unit chiefs may report the issue to the information officer at the Fishermen’s One-Stop Service Centre (PPSN) for the state government’s consideration for early replacement,” Fahmi added.

Additionally, KKPPSB is involved in the construction of new sheds for fishermen in Sungai Bayan Lepas. Two sheds were completed and handed over in October 2023, with 61 additional units in phased construction. The first phase, consisting of 12 units, began recently and is projected to complete by August 2025.

KKPPSB operates from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm, and welcomes both members and the public to visit its new office at 3-3-08, The Amarene Square, Jalan Sungai Tiram 6, 11900 Bayan Lepas, for further information and cooperative services.

The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Speaker of the Penang State Legislative Assembly and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz; Penang Infrastructure Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus; Malaysian Cooperative Commission Penang branch director Zainab A. Raman; and KKPPSB chairman Dr Muhammad Fadzly Zakaria.