GEORGE TOWN – In Penang, rather than preserving the Earth, we destroy it, said an environmentalist in conjunction with the Earth Day celebration today.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Ramen said proof of this can be seen in the biggest environmental hazard in the state – the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project.
She said the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report by a state government consultant had assessed the sea area in southern Penang as a key seafood supply area.
“But the state government still wants to sacrifice the area because it thinks Penang is short on land. The reason is completely absurd.
“We have many more areas in Seberang Prai that can be developed. Why do we still want this sea reclamation?” she told The Vibes today.
She suggested the state government cancel the PSR project as a “gift” to Penangites in conjunction with Earth Day.
“If it is cancelled, I’m sure it will be welcomed by many parties who do not agree with the mega project for a long time.”
Earth Day is celebrated every April 22 and aims to raise awareness on the preservation and conservation of the environment.
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Restore Our Earth”.
Meenakshi also urged the state government to practice what it preaches as part of efforts to ensure environmental sustainability in Penang.
She said the highway project under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), set to be built through hilly areas, is also worrying and could heighten the risk of more landslides occurring.
“Apart from sea embankments, please also ensure that hillside areas, mangrove swamps and rivers are protected from damage and pollution,” she said.
This morning, the state government held an Earth Day celebration with the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP), which was attended by state Housing, Local Government and Town, and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo.
Jagdeep said to ensure the environment continues to be protected, the state government plans to plant 200,000 trees in Penang by 2023.
“To date, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has successfully planted 40,012 trees, MBSP has planted 30,222 new trees, bringing the total number of new trees planted to 70,234 trees within these three years,” he said. – The Vibes, April 22, 2021
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