1,000 fishermen protest against Penang South Reclamation project

GEORGE TOWN (Nov 4): It looks like the mega Penang South Reclamation or PSR project is still facing opposition from some sectors.

Today, about 1,000 fishermen went on a strike to voice their displeasure over the proposed mega project.

Penang Fishermen Association chairman Nazri Ahmad, who was leading the strike, said the association’s members went on a strike today “by not going out to sea”, reported the Malay Mail.

“We will continue with our demonstration until 2pm today to make our point over rejecting the project,” he added.

The fishermen were joined by Penang Consumers’ Association (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader and Penang Forum’s Khoo Salma Nasution.

They wanted to hand a memorandum to the state government at the state legislative assembly which was in session at Dewan Sri Pinang in the vicinity.

The document was reportedly received by information officer Zahar Zainul.

Nazri said the mega project to build three man-made islands off the southern coast of the island will “jeopardise their livelihood” and wreck the natural ecosystem of the surrounding area, reported The Star.

"The Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project will affect the fishermen directly, like how the Tanjung Tokong reclamation project has affected the fishermen there," he said.

Penaga state assemblyman Yusni Mat Piah PAS later met Nazri to accept another copy of the memorandum.

“I am here on behalf of the opposition, as the Opposition leader is currently debating the supply bill inside.

"I am here to assure the fishermen that the opposition will fight for their rights.

"We will bring up PSR during the assembly and oppose it.

“We can agree with the Penang Transport Master Plan, but not the creation of three islands that will destroy the ecosystem there and the livelihood of fishermen,” The Star reported Yusni saying.

Meanwhile, there have also been reports of support for the PSR project. Last month, a local senior journalist said the project would provide more opportunities for foreign multinational corporations (MNC) to invest in the state.

R. Rajasekaran noted that the state had undergone many changes and needed another transformation to accommodate demand in the manufacturing industry.

Bayan Lepas in Penang was the only free trade zone in the 70s, and is now left behind owing to lack of land for development, according to him.

"With the world now switching to Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0), which also involves robotics technology and artificial intelligence (AI), Penang needed land to continue drawing foreign investors and enable it to transfer modern technology, thus creating high income employment.

"So the PSR proposed by the state government is timely in tackling the issue of lack of land and providing space for MNCs to flourish in line with technological advancements,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Nasarudin Sultan, a former fisherman in Teluk Kumbar also supported the PSR project saying, it would enhance the livelihood of fishermen in the south of Penang, reported Bernama last month.

He said some quarters had tried to instigate the fishermen by claiming that the area was a fish breeding ground.

“It is not,” he asserted, adding the project would in fact help to improve the economy of the fishermen and create more employment opportunities for their families.

“With the state government’s record of helping the needy, I’m confident that the project would serve to develop all fishermen in the area. I hope they won’t reject the project or be influenced by any quarters for the sake of their children,” he added.

On July 4, the Penang government received the environmental impact assessment (EIA) approval for PSR from the Environment Department.