Not all fisherfolk against Penang reclamation project

Published by The Vibes• 26/01/2021• 07:00am

Fishermen living in areas affected by the Penang South Reclamation project say that fish will flee once construction begins, but return once it is completed. – File pic, January 26, 2021

GEORGE TOWN – The Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project is a controversial megaproject, where 1,821ha of land will be reclaimed to create three islands.

From the onset, the project, to be undertaken by SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, has ruffled the feathers of fisherfolk, who deem it a threat to their livelihoods.

However, not all of them are against it, including Fajinah Jaafar, 60, who has been going out to sea for more than 30 years.

She told The Vibes that it is all about resetting her mindset, as this development requires many, including her, to move out of their comfort zones.

“Those who oppose the project are content to live their lives as they are, without upgrades. They cannot accept that times have changed.

“Take the case for the second bridge, for example. Before construction began, there was a lot of objection from fisherfolk, but after completion, we gained so much more.

“As for me, I am older now. I do not have the energy to make two trips a day, like before. I go out once, earn around RM100 to RM200, and I am tired. Therefore, it would be great if SRS Consortium offers jobs, so I can get a stable income.

“It is tough, being a fisherman. The sea has never promised me a fixed amount (of fish), but I fish because it is not just my interest, but a part of my soul.”

Fajinah Jaafar says fisherfolk who oppose the Penang South Reclamation project should change their mindsets and step out of their comfort zones. – Facebook pic, January 26, 2021

Fajinah said she has no issues with the reclamation project. In fact, she cannot wait for it to be built.

She said fish will flee once construction begins, but once it is done, the whole area will be teeming with marine life.

As for those concerned that they cannot fish within the area, she said it is no problem to venture into deeper waters, as claimed by the Penang Fishermen’s Association (Pen Mutiara).

“With the compensation money and promised upgrading of equipment, we can go further offshore. Nobody is limiting us to only fish in the southern part, where the islands are being reclaimed.”

Fajinah said she did not know that Pen Mutiara is against the project, as it had not been communicated to her and other fisherfolk.

“They didn’t even meet us. I don’t know why they are so opposed to it. What we know about the PSR project is what was told to us by our unit leaders.

“I had to Google who and what is Pen Mutiara. I don’t know why they are objecting when it is us fishermen who will be affected. About 50% of the younger fishermen with whom I have spoken are for the development. They think it is a good time for them to upgrade their boats and venture further to catch fish.

“If those who oppose the project think what I say is not right, I say, come, face me and talk to me.”

Fisherman Idris Ismail, 65, who lives in Teluk Kumbar, has been in the business for more than four decades.

He told The Vibes that the reclamation project has 100% of his support, as he sees his grandchildren working on those islands and leading better lives.

“With these islands, they will probably get jobs and only be part-time fishermen. Why not? Work the hours and then take one trip out to sea. The fish will leave when the development starts, but return when it is completed.

“Those who object the PSR project are not from around the affected area. They are from the Batu Uban and Sg Pinang areas. The project does not affect them, it affects us. They talk about water pollution, what about it? It is flowing water, not stagnant.”

“As for the compensation – the more, the better. Even if they give me RM1 million, I can always say it is not enough. I am looking to use the proposed RM20,000 in compensation to invest in my future, and for my children and grandchildren.

“However, I hope that the money is given directly to us, and not channelled through associations like the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority and Pen Mutiara, because there is a possibility that it might disappear when it is meant for us, the real fishermen.”

Haris Abdullah tending to his nets after a day out at sea. He says the reclamation project is not just for the fisherfolk of today, but for that of tomorrow as well. – RACHEL YEOH/The Vibes pic, January 26, 2021

Haris Abdullah, 61, said the reclamation project is akin to the development of the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone, which has changed padi fields into a place where people from the northern corridor and other places in Malaysia can earn a living.

“Look at Penang now; how much it has grown. With the new islands, we are looking at new townships. Reclamation projects are not alien to the state. There is reclaimed land in the north and east of the island. Now, we are looking at the south. We must remember that the PSR project is not just for us, but for the future generation, too.

“If we are talking about our catch, it is not like what we had 30 years ago. Now there is pollution, and the number of fishermen has increased. With the project, the state government has promised artificial reefs along the island, forming a breeding ground for fish.

“At the same time, we (fisherfolk) will be given an education. That is very important. Most fishermen don’t have savings. Even if we do, it is only around RM1,000 to RM2,000. What we need now is to learn how to manage our economy, or else we will always depend on the government to inject money to help inshore fishermen.”

Haris believes with the PSR project, fisherfolk are given two choices – to continue being fishermen, or take up jobs created on the new islands. – The Vibes, January 26, 2021