Think of Penang's development plans too, fisherfolks told

As the state's fishing community gears up for a one day strike on Nov 4, the Penang government has urged them to consider its plan for sustainable development.

Amid mega-projects including a massive 1,820ha reclamation exercise in the south, the state is adamant that it would benefit fisherfolks in the future.

State executive councillor Dr Afif Bahardin said it is the fisherfolks right to carry out the one day boycott of the seas, where about 7,000 would hang up their nets to raise awareness of the negative impact of the state's mega-projects.

"It is their right to strike but they should consider the fact that we are here to carry out sustainable development.

"In the long run, these plans will also benefit the fisherfolks and generations to come," Afif told Malaysiakini.

He said the task force, which he chairs, is in the process of finalising a compensation package for some 1,618 fisherfolks.

The affected group, who strongly opposed the reclamation project and its creation of three artificial islands, will be told of its finalised compensation package next month.

"The state will continuously carry out constructive engagements with them.

"After presenting the proposed compensation package to the state executive council, we will present it to the fisherfolks for discussion," he said.

According to Afif (above), the package includes plans to upgrade the skills of the fisherfolks besides providing them with housing units and new jetties.

Yesterday, Penang Fishermen Association chairperson Nazri Ahmad said the state had yet to reveal its compensation package to the affected group.

He vows that the state, including consumers of seafood and industries related to fishing, would feel the impact of their strike and understand the reasons why they fiercely reject the reclamation project.

Fisherfolks have now collaborated with several NGOs in a coalition dubbed Penang Tolak Tambak (Penang Rejects Reclamation) and have carried out a series of protests on the island.

Last week, a group of 40 Malay Muslim NGOs who called themselves Ummah Penang have lend the group support with a protest on their own, led by local PAS and Umno leaders.

Penang Tolak Tambak submitted memorandums urging the project to be shelved to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Governor Abdul Rahman Abbas but so far there is no decision to stall the project.

The reclamation project, which involves the development and sale of 30 percent state land is slated to cover the cost of building the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan.

This will also include the island's first light rail track from the airport in Bayan Lepas to Komtar. - FMT