Six Penang Fishermen Receive New Boats, Engines Under SIMP Scheme

GEORGE TOWN, June 27 (Bernama) -- Six fishermen from the southern part of Penang have received new boats and engines under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) scheme, which gives them renewed hope as full-time fishermen.

One of the recipients, Hashimi Hamzah, 50, from Sungai Batu, described it as an ‘early birthday gift’ ahead of his 50th birthday on July 3, especially since his previous boat was destroyed in a storm six months ago.

He said his old seven-metre boat with a 60-horsepower engine had been with him since 2002, allowing him to go to sea at a slow speed but without GPS or sonar like newer boats.

“The new boat is an unexpected blessing. It means a lot to me because all this while I had to work on other people’s boats as a crew to earn a living.

“Now, I can go out to sea on my own again. My nets are ready, and with this new boat, I can fish farther, faster, and more safely,” he said in a statement issued by Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd today.

The other recipients are Hamdan Bakar, 59; Mohd Fitri Che Ros, 46; Muhammad Hidayat Che Ros, 36; See Bak Chooi, 65; and Lai Poh Liang, 64.

Hamdan, from Teluk Kumbar, said he never thought he would one day own a brand-new boat complete with an engine. The upgraded size and power of the boat now allow him to cover a wider fishing area and increase his income.

“If it were up to my own means, I might only be able to afford a 40-horsepower engine. This new boat and engine are a huge relief. Now I can fish with peace of mind,” said Hamdan, who has been going out to sea solo since he was young.

Meanwhile, See, from Gertak Sanggul, said the new boat gives him renewed confidence to return to sea after his old vessel became unsafe to use.

“This assistance proves the state government’s concern for the plight of traditional fishermen. Getting a new boat feels like getting a new car. Now I can go further to catch fish and prawns, it’s a big difference compared to my old boat,” he said.

-- BERNAMA