Penang to proceed with PSR reclamation works

Published by New Straits Times• 05/02/2021• 03:37pm

Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abd Rahman (right) with Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus during a press conference in Komtar. -NSTP/ DANIAL SAAD

GEORGE TOWN: Despite widespread protest, the Penang government is adamant in beginning reclamation works for the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project.

Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said reclamation was expected to begin late March or early April, as soon as they receive approval for the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) by the Department of Environment (DoE).

The EMP, which is to ensure that contractors appointed for the project fulfil all the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval conditions during reclamation works, was submitted to the DoE last month.

According to standard operating procedures (SOP), it takes a maximum of 90 days for approval to be granted.

Farizan said reclamation works, which will be carried out in stages, would begin first for Island A – one of three islands measuring 960ha.

“Reclamation works will be carried out in stages, with about 10ha reclaimed every month. We will begin in the northern part and work our way like a boomerang. Works are expected to be completed by 2027.

“The fisherfolk can rest assured that they will still get to go to sea when the reclamation works kick-off.

“And since the PSR project is a development which benefits the people, we will ensure the fisherfolk reap benefits from the project. For that, the state has worked out a Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP), to outline the ex-gratia to be given to fishermen who may be impacted by the project,” he told newsmen at a joint press conference with Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abd Rahman, who also heads the Fishermen’s Task Force Committee, at the latter’s office in Komtar today.

The PSR project will see the creation of three man-made islands, measuring 1,800ha.

The PSR project, off the southern coast of the island, had obtained EIA approval from the DoE, which came with 72 conditions.

Various quarters, including environmental-based non-governmental organisations and the fishing community, had vigorously opposed the project and raised concerns on its adverse socio-economic and environmental impacts.

The Penang Fishermen’s Association (Pen Mutiara) had recently brushed off what they regarded as the compensation payment as a pittance compared to the mega project’s value.

Pen Mutiara chairman Mahadi Md Rodzi had said that Pen Mutiara would not agree to any compensation offers proposed by the state government and developers of the PSR project.

He had also said that Pen Mutiara’s stand was to continue objecting to the PSR project, and it would await the DoE’s appeal board to hear the case filed by the fishermen.

The fishermen had challenged the approval of the EIA report in July 2019. The EIA expires on June 25, this year.

Speaking to newsmen at the same press conference, Ahmad Zakiyuddin said efforts to come out with the SIMP began back in 2019, whereby the state government had conducted engagement sessions with various stakeholders to obtain their feedback.

He said the SIMP was presented to Pen Mutiara on Oct 23, last year and the latter was supposed to have submitted the views of the fishermen to the state by Nov 30, last year. Pen Mutiara then applied for an extension until the end of December due to the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in place then.

However, on Dec 28, last year, Pen Mutiara, during a meeting with Ahmad Zakiyuddin had said that they would not provide any feedback until the DoE’s appeal board hearing.

“Since Pen Mutiara is not prepared to discuss, the state government is forced to take the approach to announce the ex-gratia without the feedback from the fishing community. Nevertheless, this SIMP has been undated by taking into consideration the views of the local fishermen.

“This SIMP involves ex-gratia payment and programmes will provide long-term benefit to the fisherfolk including empowerment programmes and housing schemes.

“Those who will reap benefit from the SIMP include licensed fishermen and fisherman’s units from Permatang Tepi Laut, Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar and Gertak Sanggul (tier 1) and Seri Jerejak, Batu Maung, Teluk Tempoyak, Pulau Betong and Kuala Sungai Burong (tier 2).

“Based on the Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM)’s record, fishermen who stand to benefit from the SIMP total 1,615 people,” he added.

Elaborating, Ahmad Zakiyuddin said under the ex-gratia handout, the “tekong” and “awak awak” in tier one would receive RM20,000 and RM12,960 each while those in tier two, RM13,200 and RM5,400 respectively.

He added that the tekong in tier one would also be offered a 27ft-long boat with a 60 or 75 horse power engine to enable them to go deep into sea to fish in future.

“We believe this offer is able to fulfil the needs of the tekong in tier one to continue their livelihood as fishermen. For a start, the state government will pay RM500 from the ex-gratia to the fishermen after they have registered their details.

“Registrations will begin next Monday. The RM500 will be transferred electronically into their accounts after that. They will receive the remaining 75 per cent next month and another 25 per cent in January next year.”

“There are also plans to set up four jetties in Permatang Tepi Laut, Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar and Gertak Sanggul.

“On top of that, we have also drawn out numerous empowerment programmes and assistance for the fishermen to branch out into the field of entrepreneurship as well as programmes for their family, particularly children. The fishermen will also be given priority for low-cost housing units.

“During such challenging times, these value-added initiatives are aimed at helping the fishermen to make additional and alternative income and ensure they remain competitive. It is also to help them to adapt the the changes,” he added, noting that fishermen could still provide their feedback before the SIMP is finalised.

Asked if Pen Mutiara’s DOE’s appeal board hearing would affect the PSR project, Ahmad Zakiyuddin said it would proceed as planned after obtaining the EMP.

“Their (Pen Mutiara)’s appeal board hearing is a separate exercise. Nothing is finalised yet and there is still room for further discussion,” he added.