Anwar to meet state leaders on impact of PSR

Published by The Star • 22/07/2019 • 12:00 am

BALIK PULAU: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will hold a closed-door discussion with state leaders on Penang South Reclamation (PSR) this week.

Penang Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin assured that the PKR president would meet with state government leaders to discuss the impact of the project.

“The main thing to be discussed in relation to the PSR is the problems affecting fishermen.

“We will continue to have dialogue sessions with the Penang Fishermen Association,” Dr Afif said, adding that they took note of their opposition to the PSR.

On July 13, Anwar met local fishermen and promised them that he would meet state leaders to obtain more information about PSR and its effect on their livelihood.

Dr Afif urged fishermen to be patient as the state government would study the 72 conditions laid down by the Depart ment of Environment.

“Fishermen know what they face each day going out to sea.

“Now that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been approved, we can discuss the matter at length.

“If we do not meet all the conditions, the project will still not materialise,” he said when met during the annual fishing net contribution to local fishermen at a community hall in Balik Pulau.

Dr Afif, who is heading the task force to negotiate with fishermen, said he respected their opposition to the project.

“Give us some time as we need to study and go through all the stipulated conditions,” he said.

On July 5, the state announced that PSR had obtained the EIA approval with 72 conditions to be fulfilled.

PSR is expected to generate RM70bil, of which RM46bil will be used to fund the Penang Transport Master Plan.

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