FISHERMEN in Kuala Sungai Pinang and Kuala Jalan Baru channels in Balik Pulau were unaffected by the dredging carried out by the state Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID), reassures Penang Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol (PH-Pantai Jerejak).
Responding to Muhamad Kasim’s (PN-Telok Bahang) inquiry during the State Legislative Assembly session, Fahmi cited information from relevant authorities regarding the trawlers’ catch remaining unaffected.
“According to data collected by the Fisheries Department, the catch on Penang island increased from 17,423.49 tonnes in 2021 to 19,705.99 tonnes last year,” Fahmi said, emphasising that the dredging works were a long-term measure addressing high-tide phenomena.
He clarified that the state had engaged a contractor for the dredging works, with a total cost of RM89,900. Additionally, an allocation of RM20,000 was disbursed in 2020 to assist the fishermen.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian and Siew Chia En