Fishermen condemn Penang’s ‘ridiculous’ RM20,000 compensation

 

Fishermen affected by the reclamation work said they will continue to protest against the project.

GEORGE TOWN: Fishermen affected by a major reclamation project have described the proposed RM20,000 compensation package as a pittance, saying that the proposed payment in installments is ridiculous.

These fishermen, affected by the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project in Gertak Sanggul, Teluk Kumbar, here, said the state government’s payout was too little compared to the size of the project while the fishermen risked losing their income permanently.

“The RM20,000 is unreasonable and the proposed payment methods are inconsistent. For example, fishermen nearest to Island A, or in Permatang Damar Laut, will be paid 75% first and the balance at RM800 per year.

“Fishermen in Sungai Batu and Gertak Sanggul will receive 25% of the sum while for the B category, it’s only RM4,000 in a one-off payment. And there is no plan for fishermen under the C category,” Penang Fishermen’s Association (Pen Mutiara) chairman Mahadi Md Rodzi said.

Mahadi said the association remained adamant in its stand to protest against the project.

On other packages such as new jetties, fishermen’s cooperative, tuition scheme for their children, training schemes for fishermen and job opportunities for eligible candidates, Mahadi said they were not encouraging at all.

“What kind of training will they offer and do the fishermen have to turn to other jobs such as contract workers, security guards and cleaners?”

Penang deputy chief minister 1 Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said that the compensation was part of the package to improve the fishermen’s quality of life, which would be announced on Thursday.

Under the PSR project, the state government has proposed to reclaim 1,821ha, including building three man-made islands south of the Penang International Airport up to the Permatang Damar Laut waters.

The Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) costing RM46 billion will also involve the construction of an undersea tunnel to link the island to the mainland, highways, LRT and monorail, and a comprehensive network of buses between the island and Seberang Perai. - FMT