GEORGE TOWN – The state government has denied that the Penang South Islands (PSI) project will be disastrous for fishermen as said by Agriculture and Food Industry (Mafi) Deputy Minister II Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi in his recent statement.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said among the initiatives in ensuring fishermen are not barred from going to sea was a 250m navigation channel between PSI (formerly known as Penang South Reclamation project) and the main island.
The navigation channel, he said, will ensure fishermen have access to the sea during the reclamation period without having to wait for the tide to go to sea.
“At the same time, the state government will ensure that mitigation measures will be implemented in accordance with the 72 conditions in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report from the Department of Environment (DOE).
“Ecology offset programmes that include mangrove planting, deployment of artificial reefs and fish aggregating devices, releases of fish and prawn fry, research funds and others will also be implemented,” Chow said in a statement today.
He added that fishing in the southern part of the island of Penang only contributed 4% to the total fish production for the state in 2015 based on data from the Fisheries Department.
However, he said, out of 4%, not all were from sources at the PSI site.
“The fishing area for fishermen on the south coast of Penang is much wider and far from the reclamation site. This means that fishermen still have ample area for fishing activities.
“The state government does not intend to belittle the contributions of the fishermen. They all contribute to the fisheries sector and the economy, as well as provide food for the people.”
He said as a gesture of appreciation, the state government is implementing the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) that involves providing consolation, boat and engine assistance, and construction of a new jetty for those affected.
Through PSI, he said, Penang would be able to create new land for development, besides the fishing community would also be able to improve their socio-economy through employment and education opportunities for their children.
“The state government hopes the public, including Che Abdullah, can understand the importance of PSI for the state in a more comprehensive context.”
Che Abdullah in his statement last Thursday said that the Penang government’s intention to continue the PSI project will have a negative impact on the fishing industry in the state and affect the environment.
He said the state government’s stance to continue with the project showed that it did not take seriously the criticisms and views of experts, stakeholders, non-government organisations and environment activists. – The Vibes, June 13, 2021
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