Penang CM assures talks with fishermen protesting PSR
Fishermen affected by the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) will get a chance to propose their needs to the state government once the project obtains full federal approval.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said discussions with fishermen would then focus on how to compensate them in cash and kind...
Fishermen affected by the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) will get a chance to propose their needs to the state government once the project obtains full federal approval.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said discussions with fishermen would then focus on how to compensate them in cash and kind.
"The talks are part of the plan, as the state continues to engage with the various communities and stakeholders involved in the project, which will see the creation of three artificial islands in Bayan Lepas," he said.
"The fishermen are already asking for more than what was paid to those affected by the construction of the second bridge and the Seri Tanjung Pinang reclamation project."
Chow was speaking after launching SMJK Chung Ling’s International Model United Nations Camp today, which involves schools from China, Thailand and Malaysia.
He was asked for his response to 200 fishermen planning to stage a protest at Parliament tomorrow.
Organised by Penang Forum and other environmental NGOs, the fishermen from Penang and Perak will submit a petition and memorandum to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and other ministers urging the cancellation of the project.
Read more: 200 fishermen to march to Parliament to protest reclamation
On the number of fishermen to benefit from the scheme, Chow said the Fisheries Development Authority's (LKIM) official register of would determine those who had the right to receive compensation.
Penang exco Dr Afif Bahardin, who heads the taskforce on PSR and compensation, will begin discussions with fishing community representatives soon.
Meanwhile, Chow said the 72 conditions imposed by the Environment Department on the approval of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report of the project will be duly revealed.
He also said a separate EIA is required for areas in Perak which will be affected by sand mining for the project, which will be developed by project delivery partner SRS Consortium.
The PSR is expected to fund the state's RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan, which includes highways and light rail transit lines to enhance greater connectivity on the island.
SRS Consortium is a joint venture between Gamuda Bhd and Penang real estate development firms Loh Phoy Yen Holdings Sdn Bhd and Ideal Property Development Sdn Bhd.
