Fisherfolk affected by PSR willing to move on, says CM

Published by Malaysiakini • 25/07/2019 • 08:45 pm

Fisherfolk affected by the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project are willing to move on if the project has obtained federal approval, claimed Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow said the group of fisherfolk who had engaged with the state government said they would have to “move on” and find ways to sustain their livelihood if the project obtained approval.

“There are two kinds of stance (views) from those who met with us. They said as leaders representing fishermen associations, they cannot support the project,” Chow told reporters in Bukit Jambul, Penang today.

“However, if the project is approved, it is the fishermen associations’ responsibility to continue the struggle for the continuity of their livelihood, including the issue of compensation and new boats,” he added.

Chow said there are two stages to their discussions with the fisherfolk.

“If the project is approved, they would want to move on, to be compensated, so that whatever impact due to the project can be mitigated as much as possible.

“This is a proactive stance. It does not only reject the project but also considers when it is approved, discussions about compensation need to be done,” he added.

“For those who do not want to move on, they can stand firm with their views, and do not have to discuss the compensation package.”

Chow was responding to a question regarding the big group of fisherfolk who marched to Parliament today (photo, above), urging the government not to “pour sand into their rice bowls” by implementing the PSR.

On July 4, the project’s Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) received conditional approval (72 conditions) but NGOs are asking the state to reveal the conditions and how they plan to comply with them.

Yesterday, Chow had said the state government, via a task force headed by executive councillor Dr Afif Bahardin, would start fresh discussions with the fishing community to determine the amount of compensation to those affected.

Compensation package would be in cash and kind, including upgraded vessels and other fishing equipment.

Covering 4,500 acres of state land, the PSR, which involves the creation of three artificial islands, would be developed to fund the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan.