GEORGE TOWN – A non-governmental organisation (NGO) is questioning the Penang government’s decision to go ahead with the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project despite unresolved environmental impact assessment (EIA) issues.
Penang Malay Thinkers chairman Datuk Muhamad Farid Saad in a statement said this includes an injunction filed by the Penang Fishermen’s Association, which has yet to be heard by the state Environment Department’s (DoE) board of appeal.
He said the case will be heard on March 23, 25 and 26.
“They (association members) are waiting for the outcome of the case before resuming discussions with the Penang government.
“The state government knows about this, but deliberately made a statement to continue the project at the end of March or April.”
The association adheres to a statement made by Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man at the last sitting of the Dewan Rakyat in 2020 that the project cannot proceed until and unless its EIA-related issues are resolved.
Penang Infrastructure Corporation chief executive Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said he has submitted an environmental management plan report to the DoE, but has yet to receive any decision on the matter.
“There are 72 conditions that have been given by the department via a letter issued on June 25, 2019.
“If the minister’s statement in the Dewan Rakyat is a requirement for compliance with the conditions for project approval, the project cannot be allowed to start before approval is obtained.”
Farid questioned the Penang government’s discussions with local fishermen in the absence of the association, which is a legitimate institution that represents fishermen.
“The action by the state government to take into account the views of part-time and unlicensed fishermen in making a decision is an immoral act.”
He urged the federal and Perak governments to look into the matter, as it not only involves 4,995 Penang fisherfolk, but also 6,080 fishermen in Kerian, Larut, Matang and Manjung districts in Perak.
“Promises of jobs by SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd to locals, especially fishermen, are just sweet words that are never made official.
“Fishermen can still go to sea, but they need a bigger boat with a larger capacity as they now have to go further, and this incurs cost.
“Even though SRS says that fishermen still have the vast sea, they know that the reclaimed land is the main catchment area.”
Farid said a RM20,000 compensation is unreasonable as it is similar to the rate paid to Tg Tokong fishermen during the Seri Tg Pinang sea reclamation years ago.
“Only the developer knows the actual composition of the development on the PSR project, which includes three man-made islands.
“Developers may calculate their profits, but forget to calculate profits of the community, directly and indirectly.”
Other NGOs opposing the project include the Consumers’ Association of Penang, Friends of the Earth Malaysia, Penang Forum and Penang Heritage Trust.
They raised issues surrounding the impact of the project on, among others, the environment and marine ecosystems, population psychology, aesthetic values of historic areas, community identity and traditional village heritage.
They also highlighted compensation issues and the future of fishermen.
The PSR project will be executed in phases starting end-March, beginning with the reclamation of Island A. – The Vibes, February 10, 2021
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