Penang enhances marine ecosystem with artificial reefs, fish aggregating devices
The programme is part of the state government's comprehensive efforts to protect and restore the marine ecosystem in the southern waters of Penang, where the Silicon Island project is being developed.
A key initiative under the PSI Ecology Offset Masterplan (PEOM, the project is the result of a strategic collaboration between the state government through Penang Infrastructure Corporation San Bhd (PIC), project developer Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB), and research experts from Universiti Sains Malaysia's Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS).
PIC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the deployment of artificial reefs is aimed at creating new habitats for marine life while the fish aggregating structures were designed to attract and concentrate fish in designated areas.
"This programme is among the early measures of a broader conservation strategy under PEOM.
"It has been carefully planned by experts and supported by relevant agencies such as the Penang Fisheries Department, the Fisheries Research Institute and the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia.
"We believe this scientific and holistic approach will have a positive impact on the marine ecosystem here," he said.
Present to officiate the initiative was Penang Deputy Chief Minister | and Fishermen Taskforce Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.
Mohamad said the initiative was not merely symbolic but part of the PEOM's comprehensive implementation.
"It also includes mangrove planting, fish and prawn restocking, research grant disbursement and eco-shoreline enhancement.
"All these are implemented with the main objective of protecting the environment and securing the long-term interests of local fishermen," he explained
According to Mohamad, the prawn restocking programme scheduled for this Wednesday has entered its third phase, while fish restocking is expected to begin in May.
To date, a total of 23,200 mangrove trees have been planted.
A research grant has also been awarded to CEMACS for a study on coral recruitment as part of the coral reef rehabilitation efforts around Pulau Kendi.
CEMACS director Professor Datuk Dr Aileen Tan explained that her research team would carry out initial monitoring and assessment of the artificial reef and fish aggregating structure deployment areas to evaluate their effectiveness.
The Penang South Island (PSI) reclamation project is a Penang state government-owned development.
The reclamation of PSI's Silicon Island, previously known as Island A, is undertaken by SIDSB.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Mardi unveils 2 new rice varieties to boost yields, fight weedy rice problem
PASIR SALAK: The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) today introduced two new rice varieties, MR CL3 and MR CL4, to tackle the persistent problem of weedy rice (padi angin) in the country. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the new varieties are the result of a strategic collaboration between Mardi and German chemical company BASF, a partnership that began two decades ago. Mohamad said MR CL3 and MR CL4 offer several advantages, including early maturity, requiring only 99 days to harvest, and a high yield potential of over seven tonnes per hectare. "Both varieties also show resistance to leaf blast and panicle blast diseases," he said in his speech at the launch of the new Clearfield rice varieties CL3 and CL4 at the Felcra Seberang Perak today. Also present were the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Mardi board chairman Dr Azman Ismail and state Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun. He added that this innovation not only meets current agricultural challenges but also serves as a model for public-private collaboration in strengthening the national rice and padi industry. "The commercialisation of these varieties will follow the Clearfield Production System, which includes the rice varieties, the specialised herbicide 'Trek', and detailed technology usage guidelines. "These three components are integrated to ensure the sustainability of the technology and to address the weedy rice issue effectively," he said. At a press conference later, Mohamad said that plant diseases are constantly evolving, and currently, Malaysia's padi fields are significantly affected by weedy rice. "These plants appear healthy and robust, but as they near maturity, they fail to develop filled grains. The plants remain upright instead of bending, a sign that the panicles are empty and weak. "There is a need for technology that helps maintain plant strength and resilience, like the healthy padi we see growing next to us here. "This is the result of research between Mardi and BASF, and we hope it will help farmers increase their yields in the long run," he said. Meanwhile, Azman in his speech said weedy rice is one of the main challenges faced by local rice farmers. He said that the presence of weedy rice can lead to severe yield losses ranging from 20 per cent to 80 per cent, which in turn reduces farmers' income and negatively impacts the country's overall rice production. "The main strength of MR CL3 and MR CL4 lies in their tolerance to herbicides from the Imidazolinone group. "These varieties are developed from a hybrid of local strains — MR 253 and MR 220CL2 — which are resistant to the herbicide. "This enables selective and effective control of weedy rice without affecting the growth of MR CL3 and MR CL4," he said. On the commercial front, Azman said the two new varieties will be made available under the Clearfield Production System (CPS), which includes three core components: the rice seed variety, the herbicide, and the technology application guidelines. "Clearfield seeds will be sold only as part of a complete package including the Trek herbicide to ensure the proper and effective implementation of the system," he said. He also expressed hope that all stakeholders, particularly seed producers and farmers, would fully understand and adhere to the system's guidelines. "Compliance is key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of this technology and its continued success in combating weedy rice," he added.
Barnama
25-05-2025
- Barnama
Malaysia's Chairmanship Drives ASEAN's Leap Into The Digital Future
REGION - CENTRAL > NEWS Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today. KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- ASEAN is set to fully embrace the advances in science, technology and innovation, especially breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, as the grouping takes a bold step into the future under Malaysia's Chairmanship. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan outlined this focus during his opening remarks at the 36th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting here today, ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit. He said these rapid digital advancements hold the key to faster economic growth, societal progress and greater security across Southeast Asia. 'These advances in technology would assist us in our journey, as long as we advance together as one. 'Above all, we must ensure that no one is left behind, as we prepare our region to meet future challenges with resilience and foresight,' said the Malaysian chair. Mohamad stressed that ASEAN's ability to remain connected and resilient will be crucial to maintaining its competitiveness and relevance. He said the bloc's track record proves that when member states unite with determination, great opportunities are created for its people. 'ASEAN must continue its rally, with purpose and in unity, to emerge stronger in the face of a turbulent world, characterised by fragmentation and uncertainty,' he added. Earlier, Mohamad described the meeting as a timely opportunity to reflect on ASEAN's progress across its three pillars, namely the Political-Security Community (APSC), Economic Community (AEC) and Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Malaysia could benefit if Russia–US ties improve, says Mohamad Hasan
MOSCOW: Malaysia must be ready to seize opportunities in Russia, especially if Moscow's relationship with the United States (US) improves, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said the government's move to strengthen ties with Russia is a long-term strategic step, as the global landscape remains fluid and unpredictable. "Relations between Russia and the US could recover at any time. Under the current US administration, there's a different worldview compared to before. "If that happens and Malaysia has already deepened its relationship with Russia, we stand to gain significantly," he said during a dinner with the Malaysian diaspora here. Mohamad said Russia offers vast untapped potential across sectors, particularly in agriculture and technology. "This is a country rich in resources and advanced in many areas, including agriculture. We need to be prepared to engage and benefit when the time comes." More than 100 Malaysians, including students and embassy personnel, attended the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is on a four-day official visit to Russia. Mohamad also urged Malaysian students in Russia to uphold the country's good name and return home to serve, especially in critical fields like medicine and engineering. "When you graduate, come back and contribute. We need your expertise." Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia's ambition to become a high-technology nation by 2030 requires deep investment in talent and innovation. "With global uncertainty, it's getting harder to attract high-quality, capital-intensive and tech-driven investment. That's why we need a skilled workforce," he said. "This includes Malaysians abroad. Your experience matters in building the ecosystem we need at home." Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry is already moving to overhaul the higher education system. This will be carried out under the Higher Education Transformation Plan 2025–2035, which is expected to be launched by the end of this year. "The aim is to align our universities with global trends and future challenges, especially as technology continues to reshape the education landscape," he said.
