Around 70% or 347 Tier 1 fishermen have registered for the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) of the Penang South Island (PSI) reclamation project since it began on September 1. These Tier 1 fishermen, totaling 496, are from Permatang Tepi Laut, Sungai Batu, Gertak Sanggul, and Teluk Kumbar fishermen units situated closest to the PSI site. Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid has highlighted this figure as proof that fishermen have shown interest in the project, indicating a positive development considering their past perceived opposition. According to Mohamad, fishermen were quick to register for the scheme as soon as they were informed of the project’s approval, while also being aware that they could continue fishing. He made these remarks while speaking to the press after presenting two new sheds to Permatang Tepi Laut fishermen in Kampung Binjai, Bayan Lepas.
Additionally, there are Tier 2 registrations for 456 eligible fishermen from the Pulau Betong, Kuala Sungai Burung, Seri Jerjak, Telok Tempoyak, and Batu Maung units. Out of the total number of Tier 2 fishermen, 210 or 46% have signed up for SIMP. The SIMP package offered to the 952 fishermen from the nine fishing units in south Penang Island is determined based on their units’ locations and their status as boat owners (tekong) or crew members (awak-awak). It is a requirement for the fishermen to be active and registered with the Fisheries Department to be eligible for the benefits offered by SIMP, including financial assistance (ex-gratia) and participation in skills training programs such as seafarer courses. Tier 1 boat owners are also entitled to receive bigger boats and more powerful engines, enabling them to venture further to catch fish.
Permatang Tepi Laut fishermen, who park their boats on the banks of Sungai Bayan Lepas, will also receive new sheds while they wait for the construction of a multipurpose jetty, which can only take place once the reclaimed land is formed. Two fishermen have already been provided with the first two units. The implementation of SIMP has been taking place in phases since last year. As of now, the state government has supplied 32 fishermen with new boats and engines, and 20 have been sent to seafarer courses. The SIMP educational support program, benefiting the children of fishermen and other locals, was launched last year. At the ceremony, eight fishermen’s children received cash prizes for gaining admission into higher learning institutions, while another eight were awarded book vouchers for performing well in their university exams.
The disbursement of the first ex-gratia payment of 75% also began last month to coincide with the kick-off of the project. Southwest district officer Mohd Hafiz Aswad Nadzri explained that Penang had provided some benefits ahead of the reclamation to assist fishermen, particularly those who urgently needed new boats. The fishermen’s SIMP registrations are being checked and verified by the Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan, the state government, and the fisheries department before the Southwest District and Land Office processes the payments. Mohd Hafiz urged fishermen who have not yet received their first payments to be patient.
By TAN SIN CHOW
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
