News articles highlighted:
- Berita Harian, 28/3/18: Kesan buruk tambak laut tidak didedahkan(Laporan Khas), ms 15
- New Straits Times: https://www.nst.com.my/news/exclusive/2018/03/350186/penangs-reclamations-threatening-fishermens-livelihood
The Penang State Government refers to statements made by En Arshad Omar, Chairman of Penang South Fishermen Association, that the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report that was presented to the fishermen did not mention the potential impact on the marine ecosystem, fishery and the fishermen community.
The State Government wish to clarify that the important subject of marine ecosystem, fish catch and well-being of the fishermen were discussed extensively in the PSR EIA Report.
The PSR EIA Report was presented to the public for consultation and we received numerous feedback, including from Penang fishermen, during the PSR Public Dialogue held on 17 December 2016 and the 1-month EIA Report Public Display held from 24 May until 23 June 2017.
These feedbacks have been compiled and responded to in the final EIA Report submitted to DOE.
The scope of the EIA study is governed by Term of Reference (ToR) approved by Department of Environment (DOE).
It is not possible for the Federal authority (DOE) to omit this important matter, which is of major significance to the well-being of the environment and the people.
In fact, not only was the impact on marine ecosystem, fishery and fishing community discussed in detail in the EIA Report, the appointed consultant had also proposed comprehensive and effective measures to mitigate such impacts.
The State Government takes the sustainability of the environment and the welfare of the fishermen community seriously, particularly the potential impact to the livelihood of the fishermen community in the implementation of the project.
Therefore, to support the EIA Report, the State Government had submitted a further two (2)extensive studies which gave specific focus on the socio-economic well-being of the fishermen and improvement of fishery in the project area. The reports are:
i. The Fishery Impact Assessment (FIA) Report governed by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DoF); and
ii. The Social Impact Assessment (SIA) Report governed by PLAN Malaysia (formerly JPBD – Jabatan Perancang Desa dan Bandar).
The above agencies had conveyed their feedback and comments on the reports. These reports are currently being revised to incorporate the agencies’ comments.
These reports shed light on all concerns gathered from the fishermen community and potential effects to the fishery sector and proposed mitigation measures are described in detail.
Particular focus was placed on how to improve the livelihood of the fishermen community moving forward and uplift the fishermen community above the lower-income group bracket.
As these reports will be re-submitted to competent agencies i.e. DOE, DoF and PLAN Malaysia, we feel we should leave it to professional and qualified consultants to deliberate with Federal authorities.
The State Government reiterates that it has given its commitment to FULLY COMPLY with all measures proposed in the EIA Report, and accompanying SIA and FIA Reports to achieve the desired outcome for the PSR project.
The SIA Report especially has recommended many measures to ensure locals, especially the fishermen community, benefit significantly from the project.
It is the State Government’s wish to develop the State-owned PSR project as an inclusive project that bring benefits to all Penangites. The State Government urges the public and all stakeholders to take a holistic, long-term view towards the overall economic and social needs of Penang, and how the PSR project will realise the State Government’s vision to transform and future-proof Penang against current and future challenges that lie ahead.
It is our hope and aspiration that the project brings much-needed development to southern Penang Island and ensure the eventual benefits are shared by locals in the south coast of the island, especially the fishermen community.
The State Government is cognisant of the struggles of the lower-income community (fishermen) in south coast Penang Island and hope that the fishermen community will take opportunity of PSR to improve their livelihood.
If the Penang South Fishermen Association or any party has further queries or concerns on the PSR project, the State Government is ready to listen and we will develop solutions together for the benefit of all.