Reclamation works to benefit fishermen

This article first published in The Sun, 16 Dec 2015

GEORGE TOWN: Fishermen in the southern coast of Penang Island will benefit from reclamation works there, said State Islamic Religious Affairs committee chairman Datuk Abdul Malik Kassim Abul Kassim.

He cited the water taxi industry as one of the businesses fishermen can take part in as such transportation modes were provided for under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

The area will be the hub for either a mass rail transport (MRT) or light rail transit (LRT) system as the Penang International Airport was situated there, said the Batu Maung assemblyman when asked about concerns voiced by fishermen during a rally on Sunday.

He was speaking at a press conference after announcing the Penang International Halal Expo and Conference (Pihec) which will begin on Jan 29.

The RM27billion PTMP is proposed to be funded by allowing SRS Consortium, the Project Delivery Partner (PDP), to reclaim a 930ha plot and a 445ha plot off the coast there.

Environmental groups have voiced their objections over such a massive undertaking while political opponents have criticised the state government over the proposal.

In a separate function, Penang Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the state noted the concerns of fishermen affected by the project.

The land to be reclaimed at the southern coast was only a proposal and studies are still being conducted, he said after launching a food waste recycling programme at Tanjung Bungah market.