Penang South Reclamation project won't affect fishermen activities - Dr Afif Bahardin

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 28 (Bernama) -- The fishermen in the southern part of the Penang island will be able to continue their fishing activities as usual even though the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project is being implemented in the area.

State Agriculture, Agro-based Industries, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman, Dr Afif Bahardin said the state government had already set up a number of access channels between the three man-made islands under the project to facilitate the movement of fishermen's fishing boats to the open sea.

“The state government has taken the initiative to improve the lives of people in Penang, especially fishermen,” he said in a statement here in response to the report that nearly 1,500 fishermen wanted the PSR project to be abolished as it had adverse effects to their livelihoods.

He said the claim that fishermen would lose their livelihood was due to misinterpretation.

“To protect the well-being of the community, additional supporting studies have been carried out by the Penang state government (before agreeing to continue with the project),” he said.

Dr Afif said under the PSR project, new jetties would also be built along the coast and fishermen would be given priority in business and entrepreneurial opportunities at the PSR area when the project commences.

He said the state government was still working to reach the best agreement based on feedback received from various parties including the fishermen community in relation to the appropriate compensation.

“The state government views the matter seriously and will come out with a fair and transparent compensation scheme to ensure the wellbeing of the fishing community,” he added.

-- BERNAMA