Penang's Silicon Island Project On Right Track In Its First Year

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- One year after development work started, the Silicon Island project here has progressed as scheduled, with the interests of the people of Penang especially fishermen taken care of.

The Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) and the Penang South Island Reclamation Ecology Offset Master Plan (PEOM) are key components of a comprehensive effort to uplift the livelihoods of fishermen while safeguarding the marine ecosystem and advancing the state's economic and infrastructural growth.

As the special purpose vehicle set up by the Penang state government to oversee the Silicon Island development, the Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC) has always prioritised inclusivity in its development agenda, ensuring that no single community or entity is left behind.

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PIC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus told Bernama that over the past year, the state government has demonstrated its commitment by delivering SIMP and PEOM benefits even before reclamation work began and continues to do so as the project advances.

"Part of this progress includes the construction of the Light Rail Transport (LRT) depot on Silicon Island, a critical step toward enhancing the state's public transport system. Alongside this, vital infrastructure will be developed, including roads, bridges, utilities, smart city features and a green-blue network.

"These developments will not only boost the local economy but are also poised to contribute to national growth, positioning Penang as a forward-thinking state in sustainable urban development," he said.

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Farizan noted that as part of a phased approach, the first phase of Silicon Island development spanning 1,260 acres is expected to be completed by 2032.

Meanwhile, Pulau Tikus state assemblyman Joshua Woo Sze Zeng said Penang has achieved several things within the first year of starting the Silicon Island development.

This includes creating over 50 acres of new land for building the next generation of industrial zone, called the Green Tech Park, to house the LRT depot and provide new public recreational space, new business and affordable housing.

Besides that, over RM1.4 billion has been injected into the local economy and more than RM10 million disbursed as financial aid to 680 fishermen. 

He said 97 fishermen have received new boats equipped with more powerful engines and better fishing technologies to enhance their work.

"Subsequently, more fishermen will receive these benefits and 482 fishermen have registered to upskill themselves through professional seafarer courses fully funded by the Penang state government as the owner of the Silicon Island project," he added.

Woo also pointed out that hundreds of fishermen's children have benefited from various educational programmes, more than 370 Malaysians have been hired to work on the project and over 1,500 contracts have been awarded to local traders and contractors, spurring economic activities in Penang.

Moreover, he said about 23,200 mangrove trees have been planted under the Silicon Island's ecology offset masterplan, creating a new marine habitat around Penang.

The Department of Fisheries (DOF) data show that marine catch increased in October, November and December 2023, the three months following the start of reclamation work, while the Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) says there has been no depletion of fish.

 The Penang South Island, now known as the Silicon Island project for Island A, is an ongoing reclamation project off the southern coast of Penang Island to create an island covering 2,300 acres of land.

-- BERNAMA