THE fishermen protesting against the controversial Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project are not going to quit until the state government looks into their grouses.

Penang Fishermen’s Association head Nazri Ahmad said it has been more than three years that they have been protesting against this issue. 

“We are not fighting for the fishermen or the Malay community, but for all Malaysians and our future generations. 

“We are not against development but against destruction.

“This is because this project will affect our livelihood in the long run,” he said at Kelab Bangsar Utama tonight. 

Nazri said what the fishermen wanted was transformation that will help them to continue to earn a living.

“If all our protests fail and they (government) continue with the project, then we don’t want compensation, but new motorised boats, with navigation system and ice boxes. 

“We want the state government to provide this for the 400 fishermen so that the survival of the industry can continue.”

Last month, about 200 fishermen from Perak and Penang, along with environmental campaigners, had rallied outside Parliament to protest against the PSR project.

Nazri said the construction of three artificial islands under PSR would have negative impact on their livelihood and not benefit the fishermen.

“Our seas used to be rich with fishes, crabs and prawns. But these days, it is difficult to find them close to the island.

“Previously, we didn’t have to go out far, but now we have to because of the project.”

He added that what they also want to know is how the developers are going to rehabilitate the area once the reclamation is done.

“In a mega project like this, their consultants must prepare what they are going to do to preserve the area. But in this PSR issue, there’s nothing. 

“If trees are cut down due to logging, then they are replaced. What about the fishes? How, are we going to earn a living?”

Nazri also questioned why the state government was not concerned about their plight.

“We don’t believe that this project will benefit the fishermen or the Penang people.

“If we look at the condominium projects at Tanjung Tokong, they are not for Malaysians, but for Singaporeans, Hong Kong folk and the Chinese.” 

Nazri said all the fishermen want to know was if their welfare will be taken care of. 

“We want to know what they (state government) are going to do to save their industry and assist the fishermen,” he said. – July 31, 2019.