BAYAN LEPAS, March 17 – The Penang State Government previously announced the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), aimed at managing the social impact for fishermen involved in the implementation of Penang South Island (PSI) project. A series of meetings with fishermen at three (3) Local Fishermen Service Centers (PPSN) namely PPSN Sungai Batu, Permatang Damar Laut, and Gertak Sanggul have been conducted to ensure the registration process for eligible fishermen.
Eligible fishermen are categorized into two (2) tiers, Tier 1 involves fishermen directly affected by the PSI project in four (4) areas: Permatang Tepi Laut, Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar, and Gertak Sanggul. Meanwhile, Tier 2 involves fishermen less impacted by the PSI project in five (5) areas: Teluk Tempoyak, Batu Maung, Seri Jerejak, Pulau Betong, and Kuala Sungai Burung. The State Government has agreed to approve ex-gratia payments and boat assistance schemes for fishermen affected by the PSI project, with the registration deadline set for March 31, 2024, following a decision made during the State Executive Council Meeting (MMKN) No. 5/2024 on February 7, 2024.
This deadline allows for the preparation of ex-gratia payments and boat provision, considering the ongoing development work on Silicon Island (formerly known as Island A) commenced on September 1, 2023. Fishermen in the affected units who have not yet registered for the SIMP scheme are encouraged to do so before the deadline at their nearest Local Fishermen Service Center (PPSN) to facilitate the State Government’s planning for ex-gratia payments and boat allocation.
