80 Hectares Of Silicon Island Reclaimed So Far -PIC

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Reclamation works for Silicon Island have passed the 80-hectare mark, marking steady progress for the largest land reclamation project in Penang to date.

The project, which covers a total area of 930.78 hectares, is being developed in two phases, namely 510 hectares under Phase 1 and the remaining 420.9 hectares under Phase 2, with reclamation starting in September 2023.

Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the 80-hectare milestone was a positive sign that the project was progressing according to plan, and it was not just about physical progress.

“This project is designed to be a driver of Penang’s long-term growth by combining world-class infrastructure, sustainable development practices and community-oriented facilities.

“It will also open up new opportunities for investment, innovation and employment, while ensuring that the local community benefits from better facilities,” he said in a statement today.

On the development of the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), Farizan said a total of RM11.7 million in ex-gratia payments had been channelled to 791 eligible fishermen, thus strengthening the state government’s commitment to the welfare of fishermen.

Apart from cash assistance, he said the government had also implemented a boat and engine assistance scheme as part of its ongoing efforts to provide financial guarantees and modern equipment to local fishermen to ensure they can continue their livelihoods more effectively.

“To date, 118 out of 295 active fishermen who own boats have received new boats and engines, with a total expenditure of almost RM10 million,” he said.

Earlier, the Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife Toh Puan Raja Noor Ashikin Raja Abdullah visited the project site to witness the achievements and crossed to the island using a 378m temporary iron bridge built at Permatang Damar Laut.

Also present were state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee Chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Deputy State Secretary (Development) Mohamed Abdul Rahman and Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB) chief executive officer Datuk Szeto Wai Loong.

During the visit, they were also briefed on upcoming facilities including the 380m marine flyover, Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A), Matang Food Court and community facilities as well as a new Community Development Department (KEMAS) training centre.

Silicon Island, with a land area of 930.78 hectares, is a reclamation project owned by the Penang government, the first time the state government has directly developed a reclamation project to ensure long-term economic growth.

-- BERNAMA