GEORGE TOWN – Penang will face an economic crisis in the long term if the Penang South Islands (PSI) project does not go ahead as the state will lose a slew of tech investors.
Infrastructure and transport exco Zairil Khir Johari (Tg Bungah-DAP) told the state assembly that the state needs to provide land to attract foreign investors and an environment that is compliant with environmental, social and governance values.
“The absence of industrial sites such as Green Tech Park means that Penang will lose the opportunity to attract investments worth tens of billions of ringgit.
“This will affect Penang’s reputation as an investment destination and its economic growth in the future.”
He was asked by Lee Khai Loon (Machang Bubok-PKR) on the impact if the PSI were scrapped.
Zairil said Penangites will lose employment and business opportunities as well.
“The fishing community has also been unable to enjoy the benefits that are being planned and arranged under the Social Impact Management Plan and community involvement programme branded as Pelitaku.”
He added that PSI will be constructed taking into account climate change in the future.
For example, he said, the artificial island perimeter platform will have a minimum height of 3m above sea level to protect the island from rising seas.
“For others, the height of the platform will exceed 3m to enable the drainage system to handle a 30% increase in rainfall.
“In addition, the Green Tech Park on Island A will target the use of renewable energy.” – The Vibes, November 26, 2021
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