Penang: Penang will deploy artificial reefs and fish aggregating devices (unjam) in the waters off Pulau Kendi to protect and conserve the marine ecosystem in the southern region of the state affected by the Silicon Island project. Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus stated that this pilot project is part of the Silicon Island Ecological Offset Master Plan (PEOM), initiated by a collaboration between the state government, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd, and Universiti Sains Malaysia's Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative represents a long-term commitment to ensuring balanced development of Silicon Island, creating new habitats for marine life, and benefiting the local fishing community. The design and location of the structures have been approved by the director-general of Fisheries Malaysia, with support from the Penang State Fisheries Department, Fisheries Research Institute in Batu Maung, Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority, and South Penang Island Fishermen's Association. The approval, granted on April 15, 2025, includes conditions for continuous monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the artificial reefs.
Farizan announced that two sets of artificial reefs will be deployed starting tomorrow as part of the initial phase, with locations selected based on detailed studies by CEMACS. Additionally, two unjams will be placed at the site of the 'Taiwan Ship' wreck to the west of Pulau Kendi, an area frequently used by local fishermen and protected from trawler activity. To stabilize the structures, two small reefs will be used as anchors for each unjam, contributing to the creation of new habitats on the seabed. Temporary buoys will mark the reef area as a safety and monitoring measure.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister I and Fishermen Taskforce Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid emphasized that the PEOM is a carefully planned integrated effort to ensure sustainable development of Silicon Island, without compromising the marine ecosystem or the well-being of local fishing communities. Farizan mentioned additional initiatives under the PEOM, such as mangrove planting, fish and prawn restocking, research grants, and coastal ecological enhancement.
CEMACS director Prof Datuk Dr Aileen Tan stated that their research team will monitor the reef and unjam site for six months to evaluate its effectiveness. The data will be analyzed, and findings will be presented to the state government with recommendations for improvement, if necessary. CEMACS also encourages long-term monitoring and maintenance of the structures during the first five years to ensure meaningful impact on marine ecosystem recovery and stability.
During the event, 32 children of fishermen who were accepted into higher education institutions received entrance and academic excellence awards under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP). Additionally, five fishermen who passed the skipper certification exam under the state-funded SIMP programme received their certificates, increasing the total number of certified skippers under the scheme to 25.