GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Fishermen’s Association (Pen Mutiara) has revealed that the state government is proposing to pay compensation of only about RM20,000 to each fisherman affected by the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, set to be completed in 15 years.
Pen Mutiara chairman Mahadi Md Rodzi said the compensation, totalling RM20 million, will involve some 1,000 fishermen.
Those affected are from the Gertak Sanggul Fishermen Unit, Teluk Kumbar, Permatang Damar Laut and Sg Batu – closest to the mega project’s site.
Mahadi said the compensation proposal paper was presented to him on October 23 in Batu Maung.
“During the presentation session, only four out of the 10 members of Pen Mutiara’s board were present, so we could not make any decisions as there was not enough of a majority.
“The state government then extended it to December 3 to collect feedback, but this fell during the enhanced movement control order period, so discussions with board members could not be held.
"Until now, we have not given any decision to the state government.”
Mahadi said he is upset over the proposed compensation from the developer and state government.
He said the compensation does not provide other packages, such as housing or employment assistance, and will also only be given out in stages.
“Most of the fishermen are between 40 and 50 years old. If this project takes up to 15 years, how old will they be by then?
“Actually, we are not focusing on compensation; our focus is on protesting (against the project). But if they still want this project to continue, it should benefit the fishermen as well.”
He added that the majority of traditional fishermen are hoping that PSR will not be implemented, as it will have a huge impact on their livelihood.
He said these coastal fishermen do not have high-powered boats, and earn just enough income to support their daily lives.
“If anyone (fishermen) agrees with this PSR project, they are not full-time fishermen. They have other side income.
“I hope the fishermen will not be sweet-talked by promises made by any party who wants this project to continue.”
The RM46 billion land-reclamation project is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
It involves almost 17 sq km of embankment by the sea, and includes the development of three artificial islands covering 1,700ha in the waters off Permatang Damar Laut near Bayan Lepas.
The overall PTMP is expected to be completed in between 30 and 50 years.
The plight of the fishermen has caught the attention of opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who met the fishing community in Sg Batu last year to hear their complaints. – The Vibes, December 26, 2020
