Penang mulls legal action against fishermen’s victory at DoE

Published by The Vibes• 08/09/2021• 04:30 pm

Penang fishermen’s win today results in the revocation of PSI’s environmental impact assessment approval, setting back the state’s three-island project. – ALIF OMAR/The Vibes pic, September 8, 2021

GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government is mulling taking legal action against fishermen who won an appeal at the Environment Department.

This includes filing a judicial review at the high court.

The fishing community’s victory today resulted in the revocation of the Penang South Islands’ (PSI) environmental impact assessment approval, setting back the state’s three-island project.

State exco Zairil Khir Johari said no final decision has been made on the matter.

“If the decision of the appeal board is true, then the state government will consider legal action, including filing for judicial review at the high court,” he told The Vibes.

The state government will also consider other actions, such as submitting an updated EIA report based on the approval of state authorities referred to by the appeal board, he said.

PAS’ Penaga assemblyman Mohd Yusni Mat Piah lauded the “moral victory” for fishermen.

“I think this is a victory for the fishermen. PAS has always rejected this project because we feel it brings more harm than good to fishermen and locals.

“I hope that after this, the state government will relook this project.

“We are not confident that the state government will not pollute and destroy the environment, as shown by the previous sea reclamation project.”

In the state assembly last week, Yusni’s statement on PSI sparked a heated debate between DAP, Amanah and Bersatu reps. – The Vibes, September 8, 2021