As the Penang state government hosts the 7th Asia Pacific Urban Forum (Apuf), concerned citizens of the island are highlighting the destruction that will be wrought by the proposed Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, also called the “Penang South Islands”, less than 10 kilometres away. The reclamation project is projected to generate 3.2 million tonnes of carbon annually and worsen Penang’s already critical coastal pollution.
The push by Zuraida Kamaruddin, minister of housing and local government for more stakeholder engagement is to be lauded. However, the Persatuan Nelayan Pulau Pinang (Penang Fishermen’s Association) expresses its regret that the PSR social impact assessment (SIA) report, required by the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA), was approved on May 17, 2019, even though most fishermen in the impacted area were never informed or consulted about the SIA.
The PSR Project clearly goes against Malaysia and Penang’s climate pledges (SDG13) and aspirations to achieve the UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals, especially
SDG1 (no poverty)
SDG8 (decent jobs and economic growth)
SDG10 (reduced inequalities)
SDG11 (sustainable cities and communities)
SDG13 (climate action)
SDG 14 (life below water), namely, Conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
The lack of transparency has been a defining feature of the massive PSR project, which will create three artificial islands of 4,500 acres (larger than Forest City). The minister for agriculture and agro-based industries has acknowledged that the PSR project will affect the lives of 5,000 Penang fishermen and 2,300 Perak fishermen, though other sources have put the latter figure as high as 6,000.
Affected communities and civil society advocates have pointed out how members of the Penang state government often look condescendingly upon fishermen and do not protect their rights. They urge the country’s leaders to embrace a vision of a sustainable and inclusive city that is supported by the New Urban Agenda.