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The sleepy town of Pengerang, Johor today saw some 200 people holding a short protest against Petronas' plans to set up a gas refinery in Pengerang, Johor.
![pengerang protest demo 180312](http://media1-cdn.malaysiakini.com/450/3a3b1c8cc3625d47c08aa85b0fbd38f6.jpg)
They are also worried that the Rapid plant would affect sea fishing activities, which is the main source of income for the locals.
Pengerang residents in seven villages are also worried that the first phase Rapid project, involving 9,500 acres, might see some of them being evicted.
![pengerang protest demo 180312](http://media1-cdn.malaysiakini.com/451/1861df2a13e38b6aee1720fc8ca1d35a.jpg)
Strangely, the event saw protesters holding placards and chanting slogans for only 20 minutes at a beach near Kampung Sungai Karpal.
Kota Tinggi district police chief Che Mahazan Che Aik told reporters later that organisers had informed them that they will only be gathering for 30 minutes.
Che Mahazan was monitoring the rally with 15 other police personnel.
Relocation fears
At a press conference later, the spokesperson for the protesters Kasran Abdullah said locals are not opposed to development, but they don't want to be relocated.
![pengerang protest demo 180312 kasran abdullah](http://media1-cdn.malaysiakini.com/450/e1ad39eeba61821493f9c9e2bd7f3479.jpg)
"A four to five acre oil palm plantation can bring about RM1,000 to RM2,000 monthly. If we move out, how are we suppose to feed ourselves?" he said.
He added that 35 percent of the local population are fishermen who are expecting to face water pollution as a result of the refinery.
![pengerang protest demo 180312](http://media1-cdn.malaysiakini.com/450/741d2abf15fef743fec15e40052ba6e5.jpg)
Pengerang is famed for its river prawns.
Moreover, he said the situation has caused problems within the community and cracks among families.
'Planners only want profit'
He said there are those who are keen to sell their land to make a quick buck, but there are others who are against it.
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"We want things to remain as it is... The planners do not see things humanely. They are only interested in profit," said Kasran during a press conference held at the Kampung Sungai Karpal MCA branch headquarters.
Meanwhile, Che Mahazan told reporters later that the protest was held smoothly and according to terms that were agreed upon.
"The police have no objections as long as it is peaceful," he said.
VIDEO | 9.38 mins
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