State govt paid out over RM10mil to fishermen, says company

GEORGE TOWN:

The Penang government has disbursed RM10,079,390 in ex-gratia payments directly into fishermen’s accounts to date, says Korporasi Komuniti Pulau Pinang Selatan Bhd (KKPPSB).

In a statement released after its second annual general meeting today, KKPPSB said these fishermen were registered under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) for the Silicon Island project.

The company said 680 out of 877 fishermen have received their full payments as per the irrespective eligibility tiers and categories, including those who were initially left out of the fisheries department’s list but were later approved after appeals were made.

KKPPSB adviser and agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said the state government had no intention of preventing the fishing community from continuing to go to sea with the development of Silicon Island.

“Various efforts have been made to ensure the fishing community can continue their fishing activities in a more advanced, modern and safe manner.

“I hope the initiatives introduced can help cooperative members continue to thrive, enhance their skills, and take advantage of new opportunities,”

he said.

Meanwhile, Penang deputy speaker and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz said 1,361 contracts worth RM295 million related to the Silicon Island project have been awarded to local businesses as of the end of June this year.

“A total of 373 local workers, including 169 Penangites are involved in this project,”

he added.

KKPPSB also highlighted state government initiatives such as education and training assistance for the fishermen’s children.

“Parenting sessions are also held to raise awareness among fishermen on how to support their children’s education,”

Azrul said.

According to the company, SIMP also offers skill enhancement courses, such as the seafarer’s course for fishermen who wish to seek alternative income.