Penang fishermen are still against reclamation

KUALA LUMPUR (June 26): Penang’s fishermen are still putting up a fight against reclamation on the island's south and called on Putrajaya to scrap the project which involves the creation of three artificial islands.

News portal Malaysiakini reported that Penang Fishermen's Association chairperson Nazri Ahmad said the state’s fishermen objected to Barisan Nasional's Seri Tanjung Pinang reclamation project as they felt that “it had a negative impact on their livelihood”.

"We are sorry if we continue to protest against reclamation as we are just asking for our rights," Nazri said at the association's 33rd AGM in Batu Maung, Penang.

"We do not oppose development as the project has been approved but the way it was handled, for example, with some of us receiving compensation over the loss of our livelihood.

"Fisherfolk in Butterworth, Bagan Ajam and Teluk Ayer Tawar are yet to receive compensation for the development of a highway that was built (during the previous BN government)," Malaysiakini reported Nazri as saying.

The media has reported that the reclamation projects are expected to fund the RM27 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

Meanwhile, executive councillor for health, agriculture, agro-based industries and rural development, Dr Afif Bahardin said the state wants to find a “win-win” situation for all involved.

"Nothing is definite yet. There are many views regarding the issue of reclamation, especially about funding options for the PTMP project," Afif, who was officiating the AGM, told Malaysiakini.

"For now, several dialogues and engagements at the state level have been organised and we are still discussing how to move forward on this issue," he added.

The Penang Forum has already called for a fresh review of the PTMP by an international body.

It has also proposed scrapping megaprojects such as the RM6.3 billion mega underwater tunnel project and upgrading current facilities like the ferry service.

“It focuses too much on megaprojects which may not solve Penang’s transport problems,” said steering committee member Lim Mah Hui on June 22