The newly set up co-operative Koperasi Komuniti Pulau Pinang Selatan Berhad (KKPPSB) in Penang, Malaysia, is being tasked with delivering key benefits of the Penang South Islands’ (PSI) Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) – to be rolled out in the second half of this year.
The co-operative is the main contractor in the temporary facilities project in Permatang Tepi Laut, which involves building a temporary jetty with storage facilities along Sungai Bayan Lepas.
The temporary facilities will replace the old sheds and platforms haphazardly built by the fishermen. The fishermen will be able to use the temporary facilities until the Permatang Tepi Laut multipurpose jetty is built after PSI’s Island A has taken shape.
Apart from local fishermen, who make up the majority of KKPPSB members, the co-op’s membership is also open to residents and business owners, such as contractors, suppliers, and other providers of goods and services in south Penang island.
KKPPSB is also hoping the state government will appoint it to manage the procurement and delivery of the first batch of 20 new boats and engines to fishermen in the PSI area, who are in dire need of new vessels.
Another business activity that directly benefits the fishermen is the co-op’s “Samudra initiative” which involves buying the fishermen’s daily haul for a better price and reselling them for a profit.