GEORGE TOWN – Despite protests against the demolition of several structures by residents at a fishing village in Tanjung Tokong, the development of an international school project nearby, the Stonyhurst International School Penang, will continue.
Penang state executive councillor for infrastructure and transportation Zairil Khir Johari told The Vibes that the public has been misinformed and is under the perception that the state land at Kg Warisan Nelayan Tanjung Tokong is for fishing, when it is in actual fact used for non-fishing commercial activities like homestays.
“We are not talking about evicting any fishing village. It is not jetties or fishing infrastructure that we are clearing.
“Everyone thinks it’s poor old fishermen being evicted out of their homes. It’s actually clearing state land of illegal homestays,” said Zairil who is also Tanjung Bungah assemblyman.
Zairil stressed that if fishing is really the main concern for their protest against the development, then the state stands ready to assist.
However, seeing that it is a huge homestay area with tropical-themed, double-storey houses being built, it is clear that the state land is used commercially for the profit of those who encroach on the land without paying anything.
Last month, approximately 100 residents from the fishing village demanded answers from the state government over plans to demolish several structures in their village.
The association’s deputy secretary, Waifuddin Hamdan, claimed that Zairil had not visited the village and had only sent his officers.
On the flip side, Zairil said the residents are painting a completely different picture talking about heritage and tourism.
According to Zairil, the 3.3-acre area was occupied by the fishing village in 2005 after the then Barisan Nasional state government reclaimed the land.
It consists of 78 structures comprising homes, stores, and huts belonging to coastal fishermen; homestay houses; community fire and rescue cabins; surau; and a fisherman’s market.
Stonyhurst International School Penang has been contacted but is unavailable for further comment. – The Vibes, May 17, 2022
