Penang taking Nurul Izzah’s stand against reclamation project seriously

GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government has given an assurance that it takes seriously the reprimanding call from Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar for the multi-billion ringgit Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project to be stopped.

Deputy Chief Minister (I) Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abd Rahman noted that the PKR lawmaker’s suggestion is due mainly to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, contributing to the country’s present economic downturn.

“The state government accepts Nurul Izzah’s views professionally, and it will be discussed together later.

“I think Nurul Izzah may want the state government to focus fully on helping the people affected by Covid-19, instead of continuing the PSR project,” he said when contacted by The Vibes.

In her blog post yesterday, Nurul Izzah had said this is not the time to push for the proposed PSR. She described the project as having strayed from its original purpose.

She said that it is better to preserve the valuable fishing spots in the affected areas to improve food security amid the raging pandemic.

Zakiyuddin said that he is not surprised by Nurul Izzah’s statement and does not refuse to rule out any changes will be made to the mega project.

“We have still not yet gotten the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) approval, and there are many more processes that still need to be done in this project.

"We ourselves do not know what will happen in the future, but I respect Nurul Izzah’s stand, and the difference of opinion is normal even though we are in the same boat," he said.

Zakiyuddin is the PKR state assemblyman for Pinang Tunggal.

Meanwhile, Zairil Khir Johari – the state executive councillor for infrastructure, and transport – said that the PSR needs to continue for the future of Penangites.

Referring to Nurul Izzah’s concern about the livelihood of fishermen being affected by the reclamation, he said that the state government has already prepared a large-scale ex-gratia package which is described as one of the most lucrative in Malaysia.

“It is not only a cash payment; they will also receive new boats and engines, with the total value of the package being almost RM60,000 each (per fisherman), depending on the category.

“Apart from the ex-gratia package, a re-skilling programme for full-time fishermen will also be implemented. Through it, they will get employment opportunities during the implementation period of the PSR project,” he said.

Zairil said the PSR and the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) have been recognised by the Penang Socio-Economic Recovery Consultative Council (PSERCC) as key drivers of recovery to ensure Penang’s economic situation continues to grow.

In fact, he said, the economic crisis triggered by the pandemic has made PSR more important to implement.

“Based on Penang’s previous industrialisation trajectory, an independent study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers has shown that once completed, PSR will be able to attract RM70 billion in foreign direct investment and create more than 30,000 jobs over a 30-year period.

"Without PSR, I am worried that our children will continue to leave the state, as has often happened before," he said.

Nurul Izzah had also explained yesterday that 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,” she had said. – The Vibes, June 1, 2020