CAP urges govt to probe prawn farm project at fisherfolk housing plot

 

The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) today urged authorities to investigate the presence of a prawn farming company at a land plot in Seberang Perai, which has been approved for the construction of 200 fisherfolk houses.

In a statement, CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader also urged the Fisheries Development Authority to complete the housing project, which it said had been delayed for 30 years.

He claimed the company had recently started clearing works at the land area, and this has got Kampung Kuala Juru fisherfolk worried.

"CAP regrets the fact that these fisherfolk still have to wait for their houses despite the project being approved 30 years ago. Many of them, especially those who are married and have their own family, need to have their own place.

"Recently, the villagers of Kampung Kuala Juru were shocked to see a company initiating clearing works at some 27 acres of the land at Lot 1508. It was claimed that they had received permission to use the land for prawn farming.

"The villagers were puzzled as to which authority has given permission for the company to use the land as it has been approved for the construction of 200 houses for the fisherfolk community," he said.

Possible pollution

Thus, Mohideen urged the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, Penang state government and other relevant agencies to investigate the matter and take action.

According to the association, the fisherfolk were also worried about the impact of the prawn farm on the environment and their cockle farms nearby.

"CAP believes that the cockles being farmed by the fisherfolk would die if there is pollution from the company's planned prawn farm.

"This would cause the fisherfolk to suffer major losses and affect their livelihood,” he said. - Mkini