Penang has yet to agree to any compensation terms for fisherfolks affected by the South Reclamation (PSR) project, despite reports that the project has obtained the approval of the Environment Department.
As head of the taskforce on fisherfolk, state executive council member Dr Afif Bahardin said such terms can only be discussed when the project is officially approved by the federal government.
"Let the due process take place. We have engaged with the fishing community. We have also received their proposal for the amount of ex-gratia payment to be paid to them.
"We will confirm once approval for the project is obtained," Afif said after attending a seminar on occupational health and safety organised in Perai today.
Asked how many fisherfolks would be receiving the ex-gratia payment, Afif said the number eligible is around 800.
"At the moment, we are more concerned about whether we can carry out a proper and sustainable project for all quarters, especially the fishing community," he added.
Saying he could neither confirm nor deny the matter, Afif (above) was referring to a report in The Star today that the state has secured approval for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report regarding the reclamation project in Bayan Lepas.
The approval paves the way for the three artificial islands totalling 1,800ha to take shape, The Star said.
Prepared by project delivery partner SRS Consortium, the report incorporates 23 conditions proposed by the relevant government agencies and non-governmental organisations.
Local NGOs are opposed to the project and have launched a petition asking Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to cancel it, saying that it would negatively impact the environment and livelihoods of the local fishing community.
The project is meant to be developed to fund the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.