NGO: Penang reclaimed island project needs new EIA after scale down

The Penang South Reclamation project must undergo the environmental impact assessment process again after the scaling down of the project from three islands to only one, said Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM).

One of the project's sternest critics, SAM president Meena Raman, said even the Department of Environment's (DOE) approval was conditional on no changes in the development concept.

As such, she said, fresh approval must be sought from the Department of Environment's director-general.

"It is our view since the project involves only one island now, there must be a new EIA done.

"For example, there needs to be a new hydraulic and hydrology impact assessment which covers current flow, water level, wave conditions, sedimentation and erosion etc.

"This will change from having one island instead of three islands," she said in a statement.

She added a new shrimp migration study is required as the creation of the 930.8ha island still affects marine life, shrimp migration and food security.

"Moreover, the statement of need for the project has changed now that the Federal government is providing the funds needed to address the transport woes of the state.

"The state cannot rely on the DOE’s approval of April and proceed with the environmental management plan in view of the change that has occurred," she said.

Enough land for development

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow yesterday said the scale-down is at the urging of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has also offered to provide additional federal funding for the Penang light rail transit project.

The Penang government planned to fund the project through real estate development on three planned reclaimed islands.

Meanwhile, the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) said the project justification is now in question with the federal funding pledged to improve public transport infrastructure in Penang.

Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader also urged the state to refrain from using tourism or economic development as a reason for wanting to create the single island, dubbed Silicon Island.

"There is also enough land in Penang state – around 12,140.6ha on the mainland and 526ha on the island – for economic development.

"So why the need for extensive reclamation? Chief Minister, please explain," said Mohideen.

Yesterday, the state government said it will build the LRT depot on Silicon Island to avoid densely populated areas.

Other plans for Silicon Island include commercial and residential development, the Green Tech Park, and other developments that the government believes could drive the state economy and tourism.

The reclamation is estimated to cost RM6 billion, while infrastructure development will cost another RM2.5 billion.

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