Boats, engines worth RM10mil benefit Penang fishermen
New boats and engines worth RM10.1mil have been given to 121 Penang fishing boat owners.
The initiative, under Silicon Island’s Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), aims to provide financial security and modern equipment to fishermen from Permatang Tepi Laut, Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar and Gertak Sanggul on the southern coast.
It will help them continue their livelihood in a more sustainable and efficient manner.
Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said that under the SIMP, a total of RM11.7mil in ex-gratia payments had also been given to 791 eligible fishermen.
He said the reclamation work for Silicon Island had passed the 80.93ha mark, signalling steady progress for the state’s largest land reclamation project.
“This project is designed to anchor Penang’s long-term growth, bringing together world-class infrastructure, sustainable development practices and community-focused facilities.
“It will create new opportunities for investment, innovation and jobs, while ensuring local communities benefit from better amenities,” he said.
The project, covering 930.77ha, is being developed in two phases, that is 509.90ha under Phase One and 420.87ha under Phase Two.
Established by Penang government, the PIC is a special purpose vehicle to ensure the smooth implementation of Silicon Island.
Farizan said the project was planned with sustainability in mind.
“Every element has been integrated to serve both economic and social needs.
“This is about building an island that supports Penang’s role as a regional hub while keeping people at the heart of development,” he said.
During a visit earlier, Farizan briefed the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah on the infrastructure and facilities planned for the reclaimed island and Permatang Damar Laut.
This includes a 380m marine viaduct connecting Permatang Damar Laut on the southern coast of Penang island to Silicon Island, which is expected to partially open in mid-2027 and fully to the public in January 2029.
The viaduct, featuring four lanes in each direction, is designed to meet future transportation needs and support the development of the man-made island.
It will also house the proposed Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot and a Green Tech Park.
Besides that, it is a key component of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A), a strategic initiative aimed at improving connectivity between Silicon Island and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge.
Farizan said there would also be a Matang Food Court and Community Hub, as well as a new Community Development Department (Kemas) training centre in Permatang Damar Laut.
The food court will house a Village Community Management Council (MPKK) hall, a fishermen’s one-stop service centre, food stalls, restaurants and fishermen’s storage sheds.
To support the initial water needs of the island, a suction tank and pump house will be built near the food court with construction scheduled to start in October and completion by end 2027.
Penang infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, his wife Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, deputy state secretary (development) Mohamed Abdul Rahman and Balik Pulau OCPD Asst Com Sazalee Adam were also present.