A GROUP of fishermen here in Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar, has dismissed claims by certain groups that the occurrence of sludge by the seashore is linked to the development of the Silicon Island project.
Haris Abdullah, 64, a licensed fisherman with over 40 years of experience, explained that the sludge was a natural phenomenon unrelated to the project.
“Sludge is usually driven by factors like a particular season or weather. For instance, during the monsoon season, the sludge dissolves into the water.
“It has been like this for many years, and we, the fishermen, want to emphasise that the Silicon Island project is not the cause of the sludge,” Haris told reporters during a media conference at the Selera Ella restaurant in Teluk Kumbar today.
Meanwhile, another fisherman, Mohamad Long, 67, said that so far, the fishing activities have been smooth, and in fact, stated that the volume of prawns caught daily was higher than usual lately.
“If the Silicon Island project were responsible for the sludge, then how is it that we’re catching more prawns than usual?” Long questioned in response to the claims.
He also praised the Penang government for introducing the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) package for eligible and licensed fishermen through the Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan (Fishermen’s Local Service Centre), or PPSN.
“We are very happy with how the state government has responded to ensure our livelihoods are protected, even though there the Silicon Island project has no direct impact on our work,” he added.
The SIMP package includes ex-gratia payments, new boats and engines, educational assistance, and the construction of new fishing sheds.
It was reported that a total of 877 licensed fishermen operate along the coastal areas from Permatang Damar Laut to Gertak Sanggul.
Another fisherman, Ismail Long, 70, applauded the Penang government for allocating ex-gratia payments through the SIMP package so far.
The Penang South Island, now known as the Silicon Island project for Island A, encompasses 2,300 acres of reclaimed land.
The project developer of the Silicon Island project is Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SID Sdn Bhd).
SID Sdn Bhd, which is 70% owned by SRS PD Sdn Bhd, has awarded the design, management and construction of the Phase 1 reclamation works of Island A to turnkey contractor SRS TC Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gamuda.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal