Penang exco: Misconception fisherfolk will lose out to reclamation
Penang exco member Dr Afif Bahardin has dismissed the notion that fisherfolk will lose their livelihoods due to the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) as "pure perception and misconception".
Afif said to safeguard the well-being of the affected communities, the Penang government had conducted additional supporting studies to ensure an inclusive and well-planned development model for the PTMP.
Penang exco member Dr Afif Bahardin (above) has dismissed the notion that fisherfolk will lose their livelihoods due to the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) as "pure perception and misconception".
Afif said to safeguard the well-being of the affected communities, the Penang government had conducted additional supporting studies to ensure an inclusive and well-planned development model for the PTMP.
"Key findings were captured in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report.
"With insights from the result of the studies, the state government has taken a conscious approach to improve the livelihood of the community in southern Penang island, especially the fisherfolk," said Afif in a statement.
"A case in point, as part of the consideration of the Penang South Reclamation Project, there will be access channels to the three reclaimed islands from the Penang Island.
"There will also be access channels between the reclaimed islands to maintain access to the open sea for continuation of fishing activities, " added Afif, who is in charge of the agriculture, agro-based industries, rural development and health portfolio.
Afif was responding to a Berita Harian report headlined 1,500 nelayan minta Pusat salur dana laksana projek.
Afif described the Berita Harian report as "misleading" and said the PSRP was not just a reclamation project.
"It is planned to transform Penang into a world-class Smart City with benefits for all including the fisherfolk," said the PKR Seberang Jaya assemblyperson.
"On top of that, the reclamation proposal comes with a whole range of benefits for the fishermen.
"For example, new jetties will be built along the beach and fisherfolk will be given priority in business and entrepreneurial opportunities in PSRP when the project commences," Afif explained.
On the issue of compensation, Afif said the state was still working on the best deal based on feedback received from various parties including the fisherfolk community.
He said the state government took the welfare of the fisherfolk community seriously.
"We will come up with a fair and transparent compensation or ex gratia scheme along with a host of measures as per the EIA Report to ensure their well-being as well as the welfare of their next generations while safeguarding the environment," Afif said.
"Therefore, their fear is unfounded and should be dealt with by getting information from the right source," he added.
The PSRP is supposed to fund the PTMP which includes an undersea tunnel, highways and a proposed light rail system to ease traffic congestion on the island.
Its sustainability has been queried by NGOs and fisherfolk associations who fear environmental disasters and loss of livelihood for those affected by the project.
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