Socioeconomic Impacts of Coastal Reclamation Activities on the Fisheries Community in Penang, Peninsular Malaysia

Coastal reclamation has expanded in Malaysia as urbanisation and development increase demand for land. Penang is among the states with active reclamation projects, alongside Johor, Melaka, Port Dickson, and Kota Kinabalu. This study examines the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of reclamation on Penang’s fishing community and identifies the support required to sustain fishermen’s well-being. A questionnaire survey involved 358 fishermen who were household heads, supplemented by in-depth interviews with ten representatives of fishermen’s associations. The findings show that declining catches and income are the most serious socioeconomic impacts, while habitat loss and deteriorating seawater quality are the principal environmental concerns. Reclamation has converted traditional fishing grounds to development areas, restricting access to marine resources and intensifying livelihood insecurity. The study provides evidence that can assist fisheries authorities in designing financial, operational, educational, and infrastructural support for affected communities.