Stop politicising PSI project

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang South Island (PSI) project should not be politicised by any quarters for the state election as its implementation does not adversely affect the fishermen's livelihood, said Bayan Lepas Fishermen's Welfare Association secretary Fajinah Jaafar.

She said the site of the PSI project is far from where the coastal fishermen carry out their fishing activities.

"Besides, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report that was approved in April has detailed the impact of the project, as well as measures and initiatives that must be taken to deal with the environmental and social impacts," she said in a statement today.

The state government, she said, had also launched the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) which offers various assistance, including boats and engines, jetties, employment and business opportunities, as well as the opportunity to attend skills training such as helmsman, to help the fishing community.

The Penang Fishermen's Association (Pen Mutiara) should play its role in ensuring that its members register their names to receive the benefits of PSI, especially the SIMP package, she added.

Meanwhile, Pen Mutiara chairman Ibrahim Che Ros told a media conference that the association was against the PSI project as they had been reclamation projects carried out in the past which had affected the livelihood of the fishermen.

The association had called for the media conference to draw the attention of candidates in the state election to the need to protect the rights and livelihoods of coastal fishermen and ensure the long-term sustainability of the coastal communities.

"We are not against development, but it should not be carried out at our expense," he added.

PSI involves the development of three artificial islands, with an area of 1,700 hectares in the waters of Permatang Damar Laut, near Bayan Lepas.

However, the project received objections from the fishing community and environmental non-governmental organisations in the state because it was alleged that the project would damage the marine ecosystem in the area.

-- BERNAMA