GEORGE TOWN – Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman has taken umbrage at Harakahdaily over its critical report on the state government’s pursuit of the controversial Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, accusing the PAS-owned publication of pitting the public against the state.
In a statement, he said the report, which quoted Zikrullah Ismail, chairman of civil group Lestari Khazanah Alam Sekitar, gave a misleading and poor perception of PSR and the Penang administration.
“The Penang government has never denied that PSR will have an impact on the environment.
“Even while the process of preparing the environmental impact assessment report was ongoing, public hearing sessions and forums were held in 2016 to inform the people, including fishermen, about the effects of the project and the mitigation measures to be implemented.”
PSR involves the development of three artificial islands covering an area of 1,821ha in Permatang Damar Laut near Bayan Lepas.
It is being developed to fund various state infrastructure projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan, which is estimated to cost some RM46 billion.
Zakiyuddin said the state government has repeatedly stressed that programmes to offset the project’s ecological effects, as well as initiatives to fund studies on turtles and coral reefs, will be implemented to minimise its impact and create new habitats.
In its February 9 report, Harakah accused the state government of not being transparent, and having conflicts of interest with regard to PSR, which will see works starting next month.
Zakiyuddin insisted that the reclamation will not destroy the fisheries sector.
He said fishermen do not fish only at the PSR site, but also in waters near Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge and the nearby Pulau Kendi.
“Zikrullah claimed that some fishermen said the fishing areas around Pulau Rimau and Pulau Kendi would be destroyed.
“I would like to clarify that these two islands are located outside the PSR site, and all efforts will be made for these places to remain as fishing areas.”
He said the reclamation will be carried out in a controlled manner, protecting the surrounding areas.
“Among the measures to be taken is the installation of silt curtains, to ensure that the seawater around the site is not polluted.”
The state government has explained these issues many times, he said, adding that he hopes Zikrullah will take a more positive approach by submitting feedback and suggestions to aid fishermen.
“Finally, I emphasise that we will not start the project until it has received environmental management plan approval.” – The Vibes, February 12, 2021
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