GEORGE TOWN: Efforts to upgrade the Tanjung Tokong fishermen’s community are continuing beyond the scope of legal provisions.

Tanjung Pinang Development Sdn Bhd (TPD) is now planning to build a breakwater, jetty, boat moorings and tool shed for them following the reclamation near their vicinity.

Various designs of these facilities are awaiting the collective agreement and confirmation of the fishermen.

Eastern and Oriental Bhd (E&O) development and construction management general manager Datuk Zawawi Yusop said an allocation was approved by TPD, its subsidiary, for the construction as suggested by the Department of Fisheries.

The company also gave RM4.3mil to the community’s students for their schooling supplies, to support community festivities and open houses, and for myriad other needs.

“We also constantly update the fishermen through our SMS alert protocol on the reclamation to ensure their safety,” Zawawi added.

He was responding yesterday to the fishermen’s new demands of bigger boats and modern equipment.

In the press conference organised by the Tanjung Tokong Fishermen’s Association and Penang Gerakan, the fishermen point out that they now have to ply deeper waters to catch fish.

“Since the reclamation invaded our old fishing grounds, we have to go to the deep sea but we cannot do this with our small boats.

“We hope the state government and related authorities will discuss with us and give proper compensation in the form of bigger boats, engines and modern equipment,” said 57-year-old fisherman Mohd Sharip Abdul.

Also present were Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Oh Tong Keong and Padang Kota constituency coordinator H’ng Khoon Leng.