GEORGE TOWN, May 13 (Bernama) -- The Penang government has refuted claims that the development of the Silicon Island project has adversely affected the fisheries sector, saying fish landings by fishermen in Teluk Kumbar and Batu Maung have shown a stable trend.
State Rural Development, Agrotechnology, Food Security and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol said the total declared fish landings in 2023 stood at 472.44 tonnes, while in 2025, the figure increased to 496.57 tonnes.
“This comparison of data clearly shows that there has been no significant reduction or increase in catch yields, thereby refuting claims that the development has affected the fisheries sector in the area.
“Based on field observations and engagement sessions, fishermen’s income was found to be dynamic and influenced by various external factors such as weather, seasons and market prices. Feedback obtained also showed that fishermen in the Silicon Island project area did not experience a situation of no marine catch due to the works,” he said.
He said this during the Penang State Assembly sitting today in reply to a question by Mohamad Shukor Zakariah (PN-Pulau Betong) regarding the fate of fishermen following the development, rising operating costs and the status of compensation payments arising from the Silicon Island development.
Rashidi said the state government did not provide compensation as no fishermen or individuals needed to be relocated for the Silicon Island reclamation works, and fishermen were also not prevented from going out to sea throughout the project.
On ex gratia payments under the Social Impact Management Plan and Ecological Offset Master Plan, he said all 795 registered and eligible fishermen had so far received RM11.85 million.
“The state government is also enhancing fishermen’s operational capacity through the provision of larger boats and higher-powered engines to enable them to explore wider fishing areas, which could potentially increase their income,” he said.
The 930.78-hectare Silicon Island is a reclamation project being developed by the state government to ensure long-term economic growth.
-- BERNAMA
