NGO coalition urges Penang to cancel reclamation, artificial island projects

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Malaysia Tolak Tambak (Malaysian Movement to Reject Reclamation) has called for more than 20 large-scale reclamation projects and artificial islands -- that are in the process of being proposed or are stalled -- to be cancelled due to the huge impact on the fishing community and citizens.

Its spokesperson, Khoo Salma Nasution, said the NGO was a coalition of 32 environmental-related NGOs across the country echoing the call in unison because the projects can damage the ocean ecosystem.

"The issue is a nagging one because apart from the negative impact of this project on the fishing community, the reclamation project also leads to permanent damage to the marine ecosystem and coast and emits carbon at a high level (carbon-intensive).

"Based on the information received, we found that almost all artificial island projects can be said to be less-than-transparent in terms of cost and public benefits, due to the nature of mega projects that aim to privatise fishing areas to real estate developers and speculators for personal interests," she said after the Malaysia Tolak Tambak conference here today.

The conference was attended by more than 60 representatives of environmental NGOs including the Penang Fishermen's Association (Pen Mutiara), the National Fishermen's Association (Nekmat) and others who oppose the reclamation project.

According to her, the findings obtained from the Malaysia Tolak Tambak conference today will be submitted to the state and federal governments.

''The government, whether federal or state, needs to change its attitude and shift development in sea reclamation to a more sustainable and fair development strategy for all the people,'' she said.

-- BERNAMA