GEORGE TOWN: The fish population around Penang island will soon be living in “flat units and bungalows” as specially designed artificial reefs have been deployed in the sea to create a safe and thriving marine habitat.

A total of 20 of these reef structures, resembling miniature unfinished condominiums, are being placed off Pulau Kendi as part of a biodiversity “township”, an initiative aimed at restoring marine life and ecosystems in the southern waters of Penang.

Each reef weighs between nine and 21 tonnes, comprising two large units and 18 smaller ones.

Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (Cemacs) director Prof Datuk Dr Aileen Tan said that Universiti Sains Malaysia’s research team would monitor and assess the artificial reef and unjam (fish aggregation device) areas to evaluate their effectiveness.

“This is a project we’ve been planning since 2023.

“The heavy concrete reefs are designed to remain anchored on the seabed, providing safe breeding grounds for fish – almost like a gated community,” she said.

The larger reef structures, measuring 3m x 3m x 3.5m, have weighted bottoms to ensure stability on soft seabeds and sloped tops to prevent sediment building up while encouraging marine colonisation.

“They also include ‘letterbox’ crevices that serve as homes for fish and invertebrates,” she added.

Smaller cuboid reefs are also designed with crevices to attract bottom-dwelling marine species, helping to populate the area with fish and prawns.

Penang Infrastructure Corp­oration Sdn Bhd (PIC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the deployment was a key initiative under the Penang South Island (PSI) Ecology Offset Masterplan (PEOM) – a collaboration between the state government through PIC, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB) and Cemacs.

“The artificial reefs will create new habitats for marine life, while the unjam structures are designed to attract and concentrate fish in designated areas,” he said during the launch at KBH Marine Logistics Centre in Macallum Street Ghaut here yesterday.

He added that the initiative was part of the government’s broader strategy to protect and restore the marine ecosystem, especially in areas surrounding the Silicon Island project.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, who launched the project, said it was part of PEOM’s comprehensive implementation.

“It also includes mangrove planting, fish and prawn restocking, research grant disbursement, and offshore enhancement efforts,” he said.

The prawn restocking programme has already entered its third phase, with fish restocking expected to begin in May.

“To date, 23,200 mangrove trees have been planted, and a research grant has been awarded to Cemacs to study coral recruitment for reef rehabilitation around Pulau Kendi,” Mohamad added.

The PSI reclamation project – previously known as Island A – is now called Silicon Island.

It is being developed by SIDSB, which also oversees the design and management of Phase 1 reclamation works via turnkey contractor SRS TC Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gamuda Bhd.