Former tourism minister Azalina Othman has reminded the government to expedite payment of compensation to fishermen whose livelihood will be affected by the construction of oil and gas storage facility in Pengerang, Johor.

azalina othman "There is a memorandum from the Pengerang fishermen's action committee representing some 250 of them who still have not been paid compensation by the government or the private firms involved," Azalina (BN-Pengerang) ( left ) said when asking a supplementary question during Question Time today in the Dewan Rakyat.

She asked the agriculture and agro-based industries minister when he would meet with the affected fishermen, and if the ministry would accept their memorandum.

Deputy Minister Chua Tee Yong said the ministry is willing to accept the document and to look into the plight of the fishermen.

Saying the minister will schedule a visit soon, he added that 112 fishermen has been paid compensation to date - RM30,000 to registered fishermen and RM15,000 to those who are unregistered.

NONE The locals are worried that the RM20 billion Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) would pollute the environment.

They are also worried that the Rapid plant would affect sea fishing activities, which is the main source of income for them.

The residents in seven villages are worried that the first phase Rapid project, involving 9,500 acres, might see some of them being evicted. The second phase is even bigger, at 22,500 acres.