KUALA LUMPUR – Environmentalists in Penang have renewed their opposition to the mega reclamation project in the state as preparatory work begins today.
The Consumers’ Association of Penang and Sahabat Alam Malaysia have slammed the federal and state governments for going ahead with the Silicon Island project, (formerly Penang South Islands (PSI)).
“We are appalled that the Madani government is hell-bent on proceeding with the project despite the concerns and objections raised by fishermen, including Pen Mutiara, the official fishermen’s association, and the Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan Selatan Pulau Pinang and all the units of the fishermen’s villages here.
“The fishermen have challenged the approval of the environmental impact assessment report but no hearing date has been fixed to date by the Appeals Board set up under the Environmental Quality Act 1974.”
In a joint statement, the two organisations reiterated that the scaling down of the project from three islands to one has not allayed concerns.
“This project is simply not needed, as we have argued time and again that land on the mainland is more than sufficient for any expansion of economic activities. Destroying a vital ecosystem that is biodiverse and which cannot be replaced is simply unjustifiable and does not make any sense.”
Their criticism came after Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that preparatory work started today after the environmental management plan for the project was approved by the Environment Department on July 21.
In a statement, he said the state government will credit in phases 75% of the ex-gratia payment to the fishing community today onwards. The remaining 25% will be issued in early 2024.
“Payment will be carried out in phases, taking into consideration the project’s reduced work scope compared to the earlier plan.
“The development of Silicon Island is designed based on environmental, social and governance principles. It is expected to become a leading technology centre in the region and open up new job opportunities as well as providing lasting economic benefits to the locals.
“For starters, a total of 600 sea and land-based job opportunities will be offered over the next 18 months. Priority will be given to fishermen and locals.”
The contentious reclamation project had a long incubation period and faced opposition from the fishing communities and environmentalists since it was proposed in 2015.
Previously known as the Penang South Reclamation project, PSI was scaled down from three artificial islands to one following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s request to the state administration.
Island A, now known as Silicon Island, is expected to be 920ha in size.
Meanwhile, the petition to oppose the project that was started in May 2019 has so far garnered more than 131,000 signatures. – September 1, 2023