More than RM10 million been given to fishermen affected by Silicon island works

by Ian McIntyre

MORE than RM10 million has been disbursed by the relevant authorities to 680 fishermen who may be affected by the ongoing reclamation works for the mega Silicon man-made island off Batu Maung in Penang.

Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo Sze Zeng, who is a spokesperson for the Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC), which oversees mega projects, namely the Penang South Island project and the transport masterplan, shared the latest project update.

“It is a positive spillover,” said Woo in a statement.

It has been one year since the development of Silicon Island started in September 2023.

Ten achievements were highlighted by Woo, including help for the aggrieved fishing community, although a segment of them have allied with the Penang Forum – an umbrella of nongovernmental organisations, who, are against Silicon Island

They are:

* Over 35 acres of new land have been created to build the next generation of industrial zone called the ‘Green Tech Park’, to house the LRT depot, and to provide new public recreational space, new business and affordable housing.

* Over RM1.4 billion has been injected into the local economy.

* More than RM10 million (ex gratia) has been disbursed as financial aid to help 680 fishermen.

* 97 fishermen have received new boats that are bigger, safer, and equipped with more powerful engines and better fishing technologies to enhance their work. Subsequently, more fishermen will receive these benefits.

* 482 fishermen have registered to upskill themselves through professional seafarer courses, which is fully funded by the Penang state government as the owner of the Silicon Island project.

* Hundreds of fishermen’s children have benefited from various educational programmes, career guidance, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programmes that are all fully paid for through Silicon Island development.

* More than 370 Malaysians have been hired to work on the project.

* Over 1,500 contracts have been awarded to local traders and contractors, spurring more economic activities in Penang.

* 23,200 mangrove trees have been planted under the ecology offset masterplan, creating new marine habitats around Penang.

* Local fishermen have testified that they are enjoying more marine catch now because the newly created land protected their fishing ground from strong waves, Woo claimed.

Woo said data from the Department of Fisheries shows that marine catch has increased in October, November, and December 2023, the three months after reclamation work began.

“Also, the Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) states that data hasn’t shown fish depletion,” he said.

He said since the Silicon Island development started a year ago, the livelihood of local fishermen has improved.

“They receive better boats and engines for free, they receive financial aid and upskilling training, fishermen’s children are receiving educational opportunities, local traders and contractors receive new businesses.

“Hundreds of Malaysians have employment, over RM1.4 billion injected into the local economy, and new marine habitat has been created,” he added. – October 11, 2024.