GEORGE TOWN – Penang today acknowledged plans to compensate each fisherman with RM20,000 if they are affected by the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project.
Fishermen’s Task Force chairman and Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said the compensation package has not been finalised with the Penang Fishermen’s Association (PenMutiara) and stakeholders.
“That is one of the proposed. But not only that, we have three packages.
“The package includes cash donations, boat and jetty assistance packages, education, and housing,” he told The Vibes.
Zakiyuddin said the housing package will help make it easier for fishermen to own their own homes.
“We do not give houses, but we will give them priority if they have an application for affordable housing or public housing under the state government.”
The Vibes yesterday reported PenMutiara said the state government was proposing to pay RM20,000 to each fisherman affected by the PSR project.
The PSR is set to be completed in 15 years.
PenMutiara chairman Mahadi Md Rodzi said he felt upset over the proposed compensation as it does not provide other packages, such as housing or employment assistance, and will only be given out in stages.
Zakiyuddin said the state government hoped the issue of compensation could be resolved immediately, at least by January.
Asked if the state government is willing to negotiate the amount of compensation for the affected fishermen, he said he is confident that the issue could still be discussed with all parties.
“We only offer what we feel is appropriate for their survival.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government will meet PenMutiara again tomorrow at Komtar to discuss the compensation.
He said the state government is waiting for the matter to be agreed upon before tabling it to the state excos.
The RM46 billion land-reclamation project is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
It involves 17 sq km of embankment by the sea and includes the development of three artificial islands covering 1,700ha in the waters off Permatang Damar Laut near Bayan Lepas.
The entire PTMP is expected to be completed in between 30 and 50 years. – The Vibes, December 27, 2020
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