‘Why does the Penang mainland need a reclamation project?’

KEPALA BATAS – Another reclamation project in Penang is facing tough criticism as state opposition chief Datuk Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor submitted a memorandum of protest to the state Environment Department (DoE) against the 407ha sea reclamation project in Seberang Prai Utara.

Yusoff said the protest was submitted after his party examined the executive summary of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, as well as discussions with locals.

“Tasek Gelugor Umno has 86 branches with 20,071 members. We think this project should be cancelled because it has a serious impact on the socio-economy and the environment,” he told reporters today.

The memorandum was received by Penang DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab. Also present was Permatang Berangan assemblyman Nor Hafizah Othman.

Today is the last day for public protest against the proposed sea reclamation project from Bagan Ajam to Telok Air Tawar.

The EIA of the project was displayed to the public at three locations – at the Environment and Water Ministry in Putrajaya, Penang DoE, and Seberang Prai City Council from September 13 to October 12.

The reclamation project is intended for a mixed development by developer Rayston Consortium (Butterworth) Sdn Bhd.

Yusoff said the area in Seberang Prai Utara does not face the problem of lack of land as on the island, and there is no need for the reclamation project to be implemented.

“When this area is developed, many commercial high-rises will be built and will certainly threaten the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base in Butterworth that has been there since 1941.

“The project will also have long-term negative impact on traditional villages and housing estates along the coast that will likely be located lower than the reclaimed land.”

Yusoff, who is also Sg Dua assemblyman, said the sea reclamation will affect the mangrove swamp ecosystem from Teluk Air Tawar to Kuala Muda, and the habitat of 120 species of migratory birds.

He added that 350 fishermen in Bagan Ajam will face the problem of reduced catch if the project is implemented.

“We will also hand over this protest to the prime minister, the environment and water minister, and defence minister for further action.

“We will continue with follow-up protests if this project still stands.” – The Vibes, October 27, 2021