EIA approved for Penang South Islands reclamation project

Published by TheStar • 26/4/2023

BATU KAWAN: The Penang South Islands (PSI) project has obtained its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval from the Environment Department (DoE) under the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the approval was obtained through a letter tothe state secretary dated April 11, based on 71 conditions stipulated including to continue with the implementation of Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) for the project.

“Following the EIA approval, the state, through the project’s development partner, is applying for Environmental Management Plan (EMP) approval from Penang DoE.

“Reclamation works will only start after the EMP approval is obtained, expected to be during the third quarter of this year,” he said during a press conference in Komtar Wednesday (April 26).

The PSI project covers an area of almost 17 sq km involving the development of three artificial islands with an area of 1,700ha in the waters of Permatang Damar Laut near Bayan Lepas.

It had undergone a comprehensive process with regard to the EIA report approved on June 25, 2019, after receiving objections from the fishing community and environmental non-governmental organisations in the state because it was alleged that the project would damage the marine ecosystem in the area.

Their objections, with an appeal lodged, led to the initial EIA being canceled.

A new EIA report was submitted on April 29, 2022.