THE MEGA reclamation works to create a ‘Silicon Island’ in Penang will continue despite an application by seven inshore fishermen to seek an injunction on the project.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that he has ordered the state legal adviser to represent the Penang government on the case.
However, pending any judicial decision, the project, which is already ongoing off Batu Maung on the southeastern coast of Penang, will continue, he said.
"Our legal adviser will be engaging the relevant entities mentioned in the application by the seven fishermen, together with Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and Jaringan Ekologi dan Iklim (Jedi),” he said.
The fishermen together with SAM and Jedi have sought legal redress to halt the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project.
The multi billion ringgit project is a flashpoint between civil society groups who oppose it on grounds of ecological endangerment and the state which insists that the land is needed to sustain Penang's role as a leading manufacturing hub.
The parties have applied for a judicial review to challenge the planning permission given by the state Town and Country Planning director in August 2023 for the PSR to commence work following an environmental impact assessment (EIA) approval.
It was reported that the applicants are suing the state Town and Country Planning (PLANMalaysia) director as the first respondent, the State Planning Committee (second respondent), the Penang government (third respondent), and the project delivery partner SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd (fourth respondent).
“We have ordered the Penang legal adviser to manage the matter,” Chow said.
“The legal adviser will engage the relevant entities mentioned in the application on behalf of the state government and take the necessary action.
“We will continue the Silicon Island project pending the court or judicial process,” he told a press conference today.
Meanwhile, Chow attended the state’s annual grand celebration of the Jade Emperor’s birthday (Thnee Kong Seh) at the Chew Jetty in Weld Quay last night.
The Hokkien community in Penang celebrates this captivating event on the ninth day of the Chinese New Year, turning it into a fascinating spectacle.
The Hokkiens form the predominant Chinese group in Penang.
Many Hokkien devotees, who are mostly Taoists, commenced their rituals before midnight by offering oranges, sugar canes, and flowers at special locations.
There was a grand display of fireworks and firecrackers, while tourists were treated to various street food offerings nearby.
Chow said this was the seventh time that the state government and the Chew Jetty organising committee had collaborated to make the annual occasia success.
The event also marked the 117th year that the Jade Emperor’s birthday has been observed by the Chew Jetty community.
“This event is not solely celebrated by the people from Chew Jetty, but also by other local residents and tourists,” Chow said.
“We understand it is not an easy task to organise such a large-scale event. There are issues like manpower and funding that need to be considered.”
He also expressed hope that Penang will prosper in the Year of the Dragon.
Also present were Tanjong MP and Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, state executive councillor Wong Hon Wai, the organising chairman and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, and Chew Jetty Association chairman Chew Choon Seng.
DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang and former chief minister Lim Guan Eng also attended.
The event featured a traditional Chinese dragon dance, a fireworks display, the symbolic tossing of yee sang by guests, heralding the community's hopes for prosperity and wellness. – The Vibes, February 18, 2024
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