Penang: The handover of boats and engines to 294 eligible fishermen in the Silicon Island project area under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) is expected to be fully completed by the first quarter of 2027. Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid announced that so far, 127 fishermen in areas directly impacted by the project have received the assistance.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad, who also chairs the Fishermen Taskforce Committee, emphasized the state government's commitment to implementing initiatives under SIMP to safeguard the welfare and future of the fishing community, particularly in southern Penang. Key SIMP initiatives include ex gratia payments, provision of new boats and engines, construction of fishermen's sheds, skills enhancement training, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, as well as educational assistance for fishermen's children.
Mohamad reported that 127 Tier 1 fishermen have received new boats and engines, with a total expenditure of RM10.58 million. This announcement was made during a handover ceremony of new boats and engines, recognition of academic excellence among fishermen's children, and the presentation of food baskets in conjunction with the Christmas celebration. The event also featured Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus.
He further noted that ex gratia payments totaling RM11.8 million have been disbursed to 795 eligible fishermen, and 60 fishermen's sheds have been planned for phase reconstruction. Additionally, RM615,000 has been allocated for educational assistance for fishermen's children, with a focus on high achievers.
Meanwhile, Farizan highlighted that education remains a key focus under SIMP, especially following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected basic reading, writing, and arithmetic (3M) skills among pupils in southern Penang. Over the past three years, 3M remedial classes, implemented in collaboration with the State Education Department and the Barat Daya District Education Office, have benefited 240 pupils.
Through the Jaya Didik Programme, 71 fishermen's children received tuition fee assistance, while 259 secondary school students participated in the Hybrid Education Programme organized by USAINS Holdings, which focuses on examination preparation, effective revision techniques, and confidence building.