AFTER a group of condo residents demanded for hill slope development projects to be stopped, a group of fishermen north of Penang island wants the state to reject all future reclamation projects.

They also want the environmental impact assessments for the Seri Tanjung Pinang 1 and 2 (STP1 and STP2) and Gurney Wharf reclamation projects off the island’s northeastern coast to be reviewed; and the state to generate revenue via other means than selling reclaimed land.

They are also demanding for an action committee comprising of fishermen and experts to be set up to monitor the environment at reclamation sites.

These are four of 11 demands made by fishermen in Paramount, Gurney Drive, Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah, who have long blamed reclamation for their dwindling catch over the years, today, in front of the media and the election candidates for the Tanjung Bungah and Pulau Tikus state seats.

Among others, the fishing community also wants all development plans in the coastal areas to be in line with the fishermen’s aspirations; a master plan with sustainable development goals and a strategic plan for fishermen to face climate change drawn up; and a review and improvement of the approval and renewal processes for fishing licences.

Rosli Abdul, who represented Tanjung Tokong fishermen, said the community practised no favouritism and would support any election candidate, who agreed and would fight for their cause.

When invited to speak, BN’s Tanjung Bungah candidate Teng Chang Yeow, a former state government exco when Gerakan controlled Penang, said it would not be difficult for the elected candidate to meet the demands.

“The EIA isn’t something that is fixed. As a project goes along, new guidelines and conditions can be set according to changes in the environment. The Environmental Department has the authority to do it,” he said.

Former Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey, who represented the current candidate Chris Lee at the dialogue, said she agreed with and supported the fishermen’s demands.

“The state government is doing its best to improve procedures and guidelines concerning reclamation projects,” she said, adding that the PH government paid fishermen affected by the STP1 reclamation projects a consolation sum of RM15,000 each in 2008. – April 29, 2018.