State rural development, agrotechnology, food security and entrepreneurship committee chairman Rashidi Zinol said the total declared fish landings in 2023 stood at 472.44 tonnes, increasing to 496.57 tonnes in 2025.

“This comparison of data clearly shows that there has been no significant reduction or increase in catch yields, thereby refuting claims that the development has affected the fisheries sector in the area.

“Based on field observations and engagement sessions, fishermen’s income was found to be dynamic and influenced by various external factors such as weather, seasons, and market prices.

“Feedback obtained also showed that fishermen in the Silicon Island project area did not experience a situation of no marine catch due to the works,” he said.

He was responding to a question by Shukor Zakariah (PN-Pulau Betong) on the fate of fishermen following the development and rising operating costs, and the status of compensation payments arising from the Silicon Island development.

Rashidi said the state government did not provide compensation as no fishermen or individuals needed to be relocated for the Silicon Island reclamation works. He also said that fishermen were not prevented from going out to sea throughout the duration of the project.

On ex gratia payments under the social impact management plan and ecological offset master plan, he said all 795 registered and eligible fishermen had received RM11.85 million so far.

“The state government is also enhancing fishermen’s operational capacity through the provision of larger boats and higher-powered engines to enable them to explore wider fishing areas, which could increase their income,” he said.

The 930.78ha Silicon Island is a reclamation project being developed by the state government to ensure long-term economic growth.