Penang: This year's Aidiladha celebration has brought renewed hope to the fishing community in southern Penang as they received new boats and high-powered engines to sustain their livelihoods at sea.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, amid the festive spirit of Aidiladha, which is synonymous with sacrifice and gratitude, the assistance is especially meaningful for fishermen who depend on the sea as their family's source of income. The handover of these assets is part of the Penang state government's Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) under the Silicon Island project, which aims to equip 294 eligible fishermen with upgraded fishing assets by 2027.

Veteran fisherman from the Sungai Batu unit, Che Anuar Puteh, 64, said the gift came a day after his birthday, and as someone who has spent more than four decades at sea, he was deeply touched by the contribution. "Although this new boat feels like a birthday present, it is actually a blessing from God, as our family depends on the sea for our livelihood, including my two sons who are also fishermen," he said when met at the handover ceremony officiated by Bayan Lepas state assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz here.

Yeoh Mah Kee, 78, from Gertak Sanggul, shared the same sentiment. He said the new boat and engine were a great relief after years of bearing the high cost of maintaining his old engine. "Previously, I used a 60-horsepower engine that required constant maintenance and repairs, which were very costly," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Shafiq Rostam, 28, described receiving the new assets as a fresh start in his life as he continues the legacy of his late father, who passed away from a heart attack five years ago. "This boat represents more than assistance; it is a responsibility for me to carry on my family's legacy as fishermen," said the Sungai Batu fisherman.

In addition to receiving new boats and engines, there was also an engagement session with the local fishing community through a community programme organised by the Fishermen Service Centre on Monday, during which 70 families received fresh chicken in conjunction with Aidiladha.

Meanwhile, Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said to date, 158 fishermen have received new boats with high-powered engines. A total of 795 out of 877 registered fishermen have also received ex gratia payments totalling RM11.84 million so far. Silicon Island, spanning 930.78 hectares, is a Penang-owned reclamation project that marks the first time the state government has directly undertaken such an initiative to drive long-term economic growth.