Penang Allocates RM34.7 Mln SIMP Aid For Fishermen Impacted By Silicon Island Project

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 4 (Bernama) — The Penang government has allocated RM34.7 million under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) for registered fishermen affected by the Silicon Island project. 

Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said from the total allocation, RM11.7 million has been channelled as ex-gratia payments to 95 per cent of the 877 registered fishermen.

“In addition, the state government is providing 121 brand-new boats and engines worth RM90,000 each to fishermen from the Sungai Batu and Permatang Tepi Laut units, as their areas are directly impacted by the project.

“The government will also hand over new boats and engines to 173 active fishermen from the Teluk Kumbar and Gertak Sanggul units, even though the Penang South Island (PSI) development now involves only one island — Silicon Island — instead of the original three,” he told reporters after officiating the SIMP Benefits handover ceremony in Kampung Binjai, Sungai Bayan Lepas, here today.

The ceremony was launched by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid, who is also chairman of the Fishermen’s Taskforce Committee, with 51 recipients receiving benefits including boats, skipper certification, storage huts and educational excellence awards for fishermen’s children.

Farizan said the new boats, measuring 27 feet in length and 7.4 feet in width, are equipped with higher-capacity engines of 90 or 100 horsepower, depending on the skippers’ choice of brand.

Each eligible Tier 1 skipper will also be provided with additional equipment such as robots, sonar, GPS and nets to help them venture further and increase their catch, he said. 

He said the SIMP initiative was designed not only to safeguard fishermen’s welfare and protect the marine ecosystem, but also to provide long-term benefits for their families through education and skills development.

“Our hope is to nurture a new generation of knowledgeable, competitive and resilient fishermen’s families who can build a brighter future.

“With fishermen increasingly prioritising their children’s education, and with the support of the Education Department, this effort ensures that the benefits of the Silicon Island development are shared with the local community and beyond,” he said.

In his speech, Mohamad said surveys indicate growing public support for the PSI project, driven by the benefits delivered through SIMP and the PSI Ecological Offset Master Plan (PEOM).

He said the findings reflect confidence in the state government’s commitment to safeguarding fishermen’s welfare while delivering long-term socio-economic gains.

One of the recipients, Hashimi Hamzah, 50, expressed gratitude to the state government for receiving a new boat that is safer and more comfortable, enabling him to continue supporting his family.

A fisherman for over 30 years, he said the new boat allows him to travel up to 20 nautical miles compared with only 10 previously.

“Alhamdulillah, I no longer have to borrow friends’ boats after mine was damaged in a storm last year. Now, with this new boat, I can go further out to sea and bring home bigger catches,” he said.

Another fisherman, Eng Phang, 62, from Gertak Sanggul, also shared his joy, saying his new boat has already helped him land more seafood.

“With larger catches, especially prawns, my income has improved. Hopefully, this boat will allow me to go even further and catch more. Thank you to the state government,” said Eng, who has been fishing for more than 20 years.

— BERNAMA

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