Developer Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O) has handed over ex-gratia payment of RM15,000 each to 213 fishermen affected by its reclamation project today.

But a group of 50 disgruntled fisherfolk have rejected the amount and held a protest at Straits Quay in Tanjong Tokong, Penang.

They are demanding RM200,000 be given to each for affecting their livelihood at sea since Phase I of the project began in 2003.

The group said they are members of Persatuan Nelayan Unit Tanjung Tokong.

Harun Abdul Rashid, 52, said that the developer has not discussed the amount of compensation for the affected fishermen.

He said the fishermen require bigger boats with better engines which are needed for deep-sea fishing.

A good boat with engine and net would cost about RM150,000, he claimed.

'Give us shares in the project'

The project by E&O includes the development of an artificial island which can house up to 200,000 residents.

Harun claims the plan has already disrupted their livelihood.

"Even before the island is up, we are already suffering the effect of it as it so difficult to fish in the sea these days.

"If we do not get proper compensation, we will make trouble during the project development," he added.

Mohamad Ishak Abdul Rahman, 68, said the affected fishermen should be given units of shares in the project as it would then benefit them for life.

"We survived as fishermen for generations. What is left for our children and their children? At least these shares will help (them) through for life," he said.

CY Chew, 75, said he had been fishing since he was a child but due to development projects along the sea, fishes are hard to come by these days.

"I could only make a few dollars - the most RM50 daily - and this reclamation project would make life more difficult for us," Chew ( photo ) added.

E&O willing to discuss

E&O spokesperson A. Tharman, who met them today, said a meeting will be called with the Tanjung Tokong fishermen to discuss their proposal to resolve the issue of compensation.

"We would like to hear what they have to say first before deciding on how to resolve the issue," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, state executive councillor Dr Afif Bahardin ( photo ) who handed over the cheques to the 213 fishermen, said E&O has contributed about RM2.402 million to the state treasury as ex-gratia payment for the affected fishermen.

He thanked E&O, the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia, and State Economic Planning Unit, for helping make the event possible.

Asked about the protest by disgruntled fishermen, Afif said, "Our doors are always open. They can come and discuss with us their needs.

"We are willing to help, as long as their demands are logical," he said, when met at Straits Quay.

He noted that those who received the payment must fulfil certain criteria, which includes being active in the field as well as having a valid license.

E&O manager Azizan Abdul Rahman said the company offered the payment to show its appreciation to the fishing community.

"They have built up the tradition for generations and will continue to play an important role in our community," he said.

"As a responsible developer, E&O will fulfill our obligations and comply with all the requirements by the local authority as we embark on this project," he added.