GEORGE TOWN – This is not the time to push for the proposed Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, said Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.
She said amid a raging pandemic, it is better to preserve the valuable fishing spots in the affected areas to improve food security.
In her blog post, Nurul Izzah said she and fellow PKR members had supported the initial Penang Transport Master Plan (PMTP) and PSR that was meant to underwrite PMTP.
“While my fellow party members and I initially supported the push for better public transport, we began to develop doubts when PTMP evolved to include mega highways across hills and rivers, light rail transits, monorails, a skycab and land reclamation.
“Therefore, we have to weigh this matter against the priorities of environmental protection and well-being and livelihoods of our constituents. The losses and risks of this project far outweigh any possible gains to the state and its people.
“PSR (now also referred to as Penang South Islands, or PSI) has consistently drawn my opposition through internal channels, public statements, as well as questions raised in Parliament.”
She then listed the reasons for her objection.
“The need to reconsider mega infrastructure projects, particularly as the country navigates yet another unforgiving wave of this pandemic with an expected K-shaped recovery.
“The state and the people of Penang should not be burdened with a project fraught with debt, risks, uncertainties, and U-turns.
“As it stands, the entire PSR project will be funded and managed by a 70-30 joint venture between SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd and the Penang government – it is now a privately-led mega project, lacking clarity on the various aspects of the mammoth project.”
In a recent statement, SRS Consortium (the project delivery partner for the PSR project) stated that the 70-30 joint venture agreement will ensure Penang benefits from the ensuing foreign direct investment, gross domestic product contribution and creation of high-skilled jobs over a 30-year development timeframe for the three PSIs.
“While we do not deny the need for constant evaluation and improvement of physical and economic infrastructures, this must not result in permanent and irreparable environmental destruction as admitted by SRS Consortium’s own Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultants,” said Nurul Izzah.
“The state’s ambition to leave a legacy must not be at the expense of the people; not only fishermen whose livelihood are directly threatened, but also all Penangites who will bear the cost of diminishing supply of fresh seafood and resultant higher prices.
“We need to strengthen our re-skilling efforts, to enable local communities to compete effectively for incoming high-skilled roles; bearing in mind the years of educational opportunities lost by children in low-income households due to the pandemic.
“Given the above considerations, can we afford to wait without adequate socio-economic safeguards and certainty, for another 30 years, before reaping the intended benefits of this project, while we navigate an unprecedented public health and economic crisis?”
She also highlighted the decision to allow the project to proceed despite an EIA report confirming that this will result in permanent environmental loss.
In the EIA report for the PSR project, it is stated that: “Permanent destruction and residual impacts will be suffered by the mudflat ecosystem, fishing grounds, turtle landings, and some of the coral reefs on Pulau Rimau. This permanent destruction will have a significant negative impact on fisheries resources, fishermen and the security of the country’s food supply.”
Penang PKR vice-chairman Jason Ong said he hopes the state government will view Nurul Izzah’s feedback in a positive light as many people have good intentions in seeking for the PSR project to be scrapped.
“I think it is time to review the project’s viability. Either we reduce the scope or we seek alternatives for a cheaper transport mode, so we do not need to raise too high of a capital.”
He urged the state government to seek new technologies for public transport and explore the land banks on the mainland for more development. – The Vibes, May 31, 2021
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