The Penang government in Malaysia is finalising an ex-gratia package for fishermen who are likely to be affected by the controversial Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project.
State Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari (DAP-Tanjung Bungah) said the state government is currently refining the details of the numerous packages.
He said the first package is “Pakej Bantuan Hidup”, which includes ex-gratia payment and monthly allowance.
“The second is ‘Pakej Pemerkasaan”. Under this package, a new fishermen’s jetty, a fishermen’s cooperative, a tuition scheme and education for fishermen’s children, a training scheme for fishermen and their children, and employment opportunities for those eligible are provided for.
“Lastly, is priority for affordable housing registration (to help fishermen who have yet to own a house,” Zairil said when answering a supplementary question from Goh Choon Aik (PKR-Bukit Tambun) on the first day of the state legislative assembly sitting here, today.
Goh had asked about the fishermen’s objections to the PSR project.
Zairil said the Penang government, through relevant offices and agencies, is gathering more detailed information for the numerous packages to meet the needs of the fishermen.
“A Fishermen’s Task Force Committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, is refining the initiative, as well as mitigation measures and the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) implementation mechanism.”
Earlier, Zairil said the Penang government had obtained all the necessary approvals for the PSR project to proceed from the federal government.
He said pursuant to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, one of the conditions is to prepare the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for approval by the Department of Environment (DoE).
“The EMP is to ensure that contractors appointed for the project fulfil all the EIA approval conditions during reclamation works.
“At present, the EMP (Amendment 1) report has been submitted to the state DoE and pending approval.
“The state government, together with the project delivery partner (PDP), is refining mitigation measures to minimise social and environmental impacts before the physical works begin,” he said, adding that the state government is preparing the design and tender documents.
Early last month, fishermen in the state, likely to be impacted by the PSR, had again reiterated their objection to the project, a stand they have made since 2015.
This was despite a recent statement by Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, who said fishermen are more receptive to the proposed PSR project now after they learned more about the project.
The Penang Fishermen’s Association (Pen Mutiara), however, said the principles of the fishing community remain unchanged.
On July 16, the Penang government announced the establishment of state-owned company, PIC, to undertake mega infrastructure projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), encompassing the paired roads, undersea tunnel and PSR off the southern coast of the island.
PIC will also be involved in planning and developing the PSR area, including topside development.
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.
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