NGOs 'shocked and disturbed' by Putrajaya's PSR approval

NGOs are "shocked and disturbed" that to learn that the controversial Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project has been okayed by Putrajaya.

The Consumers Association Penang (CAP) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) said the approval came by with the imposition of 18 points of advice (nasihat) to the Penang government.

"We do not know how the PSR could be approved when there are huge financial, social and environmental concerns over the project, including its effects on the livelihoods of local fishermen who will be affected by the project," said SM Mohamed Idris (above), the president of both CAP and SAM.

"We want the 18-point advice to the made public so that the public can understand what the conditions for approval were by the National Physical Planning Council (NPPC), " Mohamed Idris added, in a statement to Malaysiakini.

He was referring to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's announcement today that the project had been given the go-ahead by the NPPC.

When asked, Chow said he would explain the 18 conditions in a press conference tomorrow.

"More expensive" than ECRL

The PSR entails the creation of three artificial islands at the southern part of the island and is expected to affect the lives of hundreds of fisherfolks.

The project will be developed to fund the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), which includes an undersea tunnel linking the island via Gurney Drive to Butterworth, and the Pan Island 1 highway (PIL1).

Mohamed Idris said he cannot understand how the approval for the PSR was given when the costs of the reclamation and the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) are massive, even compared to the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).

He said it is estimated that the Pan-Island Link, which is a part of the PTMP, will cost RM400 million per kilometre of road compared to the RM68 million per kilometre of the revised ECRL project.

"The huge costs for the PSR and the PTMP, which amount to RM 46 billion, have been inexplicable and outrageous, and how any approval can be given under such circumstances is mind-boggling."

The veteran activist said many fundamental concerns have been raised by concerned citizens and NGOs.

"But we do not know how these concerns have been addressed.” - Mkini