Penang fishermen come up with transformation plan, want to meet CM to discuss

Published by The Star • 01/03/2019 • 01:43 pm

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Fishermen Association has prepared a working paper on “Fishermen Transformation Plan” that it wants to present to the state government.

Chairman Nazri Ahmad said the working paper included suggestions on types of equipment and systems to be used by fishermen should the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) on the southern part of the Penang island come into the picture.

He said the working paper took them four months to complete at their own cost.

“The study includes a transformation plan to improve the livelihoods of fishermen.

“One of the suggestions is to get a new boat for the fishermen, which will enable them to go further out to sea to fish.

“We hope to have a closed door meeting chaired by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow himself.

“We have sent an invitation by post and an email to his office,” he said during a press conference at Pen Mutiara in Batu Maung Friday (March 1).

Under the PSR, the state has proposed to reclaim land on the southern part of the Penang island to build three man-made islands to finance the RM46bil Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

On the reclamation project, Nazri expressed concerns that it would badly affect the fishermen in the state.

“It is not about the compensation, but rather ensuring rehabilitation of the areas which are popular fishing spots.

“We are not against the PTMP but we want to ensure a sustainable catch for fishermen at sea,” he added.