Pulau Betong assemblyperson Muhamad Farid Saad vowed to continue speaking for and supporting local NGOs in their efforts to protect Penang’s environment.

In his New Year’s message today, Muhamad Farid said although development was important, it has to be conducted in a sustainable manner.

"We need to pay attention to a sustainable life and environment. The balance between the progress of development and the natural ecosystem must be protected.

"It's true that we need development but not to the point of destroying the environment," he added.

He said that the present priority was to stop reclamation works, including the creation of three artificial islands at the southern parts of Penang.

Several NGOs such as the Consumers Association of Penang, Penang Forum and fishermen's associations have strongly opposed the land reclamation exercise.

The reclamation works including the creation of three artificial islands are part of the state's RM27 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

SRS Consortium, the state's project delivery partner for the PTMP have been carrying out consultation sessions with several stakeholders but the fisherfolk community have launched protests against the plan, claiming it would destroy the environment and their livelihood.

On the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) cash handout scheme, Muhamad Farid said it was a good scheme that would help the “bottom 40 percent (B40)” income earners.

However, he said other measures were needed to overcome cost-of-living issues. Such measures may include price control mechanisms for food.

"Houses built must be truly affordable; the state government and Bank Negara must work out a proper scheme for low and low-medium income earners.

"This scheme must be available especially to those who do not have payslips to prove their incomes like farmers, fishermen and single mothers, " he added.