14 Nov No PSI project without EIA approval, Penang CM tells Rafizi [NSTTV]
Published by New Straits Times • 03/10/2022
GEORGE TOWN: Penang will only begin the controversial Penang South Island (PSI) reclamation project once it receives the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“That has always been our principle and we are sticking to it. As long as we do not receive the EIA approval, the project will not start,” Chow told newsmen at his office here, today.
He was commenting on PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli’s statement that a project as big as the PSI would affect the livelihoods of many people, and that there was a need to balance the economic value of the project against its effect on people’s livelihoods.
He was asked if the Penang government would review the project.
Chow said, at times, PKR leaders at the national level might not follow what had been explained at the state level.
“For PKR leaders at state-level, the reclamation project is not an issue.
“Almost every week, the project is being discussed at the state executive council meeting. If there is an important decision to be made, then there will be presentation by the project delivery partner.
“As such, state PKR leaders are aware of the progress of the project and participate in discussions.”
Chow said even PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim led a delegation to the state previously to better understand the project.
The EIA report for the PSI was approved in 2019, before the approval was reversed by the Appeal Board on Sept 8 last year.
The Appeal Board’s basis for reversing the approval was the interpretation of the state’s structure plan (RSN2030) approval date.
The state government has submitted an updated and more comprehensive EIA report for approval recently.
Penang will only begin the controversial Penang South Island (PSI) reclamation project once it receives the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. -NSTP/MIKAIL ONG
Meanwhile, according to Penang Infrastructure Corp chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, the PSI project is envisioned to be a hub for designing and developing high-value technology components, software development, embedded system design, product design and development as well as high-tech manufacturing. “Through this project, we aim to further expand our industrial sector with the hopes of assisting our current partners in bolstering their capabilities and providing exclusive job opportunities that are not meant to be labour-intensive.
“To also secure jobs within this sector for future generations, we have set certain activities in motion, such as tuition for students, especially those located in the southern part of Penang. This will not only accommodate the labour requirements of PSI, it will also allow Penang to retain its future talent, and attract more talent from the country and beyond,” he said. Chai Yee Hoong
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