The Penang fishermen community is continuing its protest against reclamation activities at the island's southern post and wants the new Pakatan Harapan federal government to cancel the project which involves the creation of three artificial islands.

The reclamation projects are expected to fund the development of the RM27 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) which is designed to address the island's increasing transport woes.

Penang Fishermen's Association chairperson Nazri Ahmad said the community had previously objected to BN's Seri Tanjung Pinang reclamation project as such activities 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 annual general meeting in Batu Maung, Penang which was attended by about 100 members.

"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," he added.

"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)," he said.

The AGM was officiated by Penang executive councillor for health, agriculture, agro-based industries and rural development, Dr Afif Bahardin.

Asked about the fisherfolk's concern on the ongoing reclamation activities linked to the PTMP during his press conference after officiating the AGM, Afif said the state wants to find a “win-win” situation for all quarters.

He said the Penang government's discussions with the PTMP's delivery partner, SRS Consortium, and various stakeholders were still ongoing.

"Nothing is definite yet. There are many views regarding the issue of reclamation, especially about funding options for the PTMP project," Afif said.

"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.

Afif said the project was still under study and its Environmental Impact Assessment report was awaiting approval by the federal government.

Afif claimed that experts in the field who saw the preparation of the EIA report said it was well-produced compared to those in other states.

Find a balance

In Penang, the state will carry out a project based on the principle of transparency and accountability and by doing things correctly in the right manner and according to law," Afif added.

"Before this, many debates in the media over the issue were based on sentiment and emotion. They were not constructive but now with a more open media, let's get the facts right," he stressed.

Afif said the reports on the reclamation exercise presented at the state exco meetings were very comprehensive but whether the information was adequate or not was up to the federal ministry to decide.

He said all projects in Penang would only commence work when their EIA reports were approved.

"If we follow the principles of pure environmentalists, even roads cannot be built but in today's world we need a balance," Afif, who is PKR Seberang Jaya assemblyperson, said.

"I represent the young generation, we have to find jobs, build our families and we want to stay in Penang.

"How do we do that if there are no economic activities and if there are no new frontiers to look forward to or venture into?" posed the PKR national deputy chief.

(File photos)