Penang fishermen raise flags, rally for solidarity

Azrul (centre, in purple) raising the Jalur Gemilang with the Teluk Kumbar fishermen and the organising team from PPSN.

IN A stirring display of community spirit and patriotism, fishermen from Teluk Kumbar, Penang, came together to celebrate Malaysia’s 67th National Day through the “Raise the Jalur Gemilang” programme.

It was in collaboration with Penang’s Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan (PPSN).

This marked the first time the two groups worked together, showcasing a shared commitment to the nation’s progress and the well-being of local fishermen.

Some 50 food baskets and Jalur Gemilang were distributed to the fishermen, symbolising solidarity and support as the community adapts to changes brought about by the Silicon Island project.

Penang Deputy Speaker and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who attended the event, expressed optimism about the future of such partnerships.

He said similar collaborations could benefit other fishing communities beyond Teluk Kumbar.

Azrul said fishermen in Teluk Kumbar had registered under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) – a state initiative aimed at providing support to those affected by the Silicon Island development.

He encouraged others to join the Koperasi Komuniti Pulau Pinang Selatan Berhad (KKPPSB), which offered business opportunities, including jobs, and hinted at future expansion into fields like real estate.

Established in 2022, KKPPSB in its recent second Annual General Meeting announced a 5% dividend and RM100 attendance allowance to members.

The SIMP scheme has also provided ex-gratia payments to 680 eligible fishermen, including 133 who were initially overlooked by the Fisheries Department.

PPSN, which serves as a one-stop centre for project-related information, continues to play a pivotal role in organising community programmes and overseeing the implementation of SIMP benefits.

Azrul, who is the state Fishermen Taskforce committee member, said the Penang government’s efforts to provide 87 new boats and engines to eligible fishermen prioritised the Permatang Tepi Laut unit who was directly involved in the Silicon Island project.

Southern Penang Fishermen Association (PNKPPS) president Badrul Hisham Hasim emphasised the need to focus on effective implementation of the SIMP scheme to ensure sustainability of marine food supplies.

His deputy Roslizan Ramli, who also leads the Teluk Kumbar unit, urged fishermen to ensure all eligible members benefit from the SIMP.

Fisherman Lye Phaik Soon, one of the recipients of the ex-gratia payment, shared how the funds enabled him to buy new fishing equipment.

He now eagerly awaits a new boat and engine to enhance his fishing capabilities. Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd Strategic Communi-cation and Stakeholder management director Azmi Mohamad gave an update on the progress of the Silicon

Island reclamation works, along with ongoing initiatives under the SIMP and the PSI Ecology Offset Masterplan (PEOM).

“This programme has not only strengthened bonds within the Teluk Kumbar fishing community, but also highlighted the importance of collaboration for a sustainable future tied to the Silicon Island project.”

The Penang South Island (PSI) reclamation project is a Penang state government-owned development.

The reclamation of PSI’s Silicon Island, previously known as Island A, is undertaken by Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB).