THE Penang South Reclamation’s (PSR) environmental impact assessment report (EIA) will be put up for its second public display on April 29, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

The report will be on a month-long display at 10 locations to be announced later. It is aimed at informing the public about the project and gathering feedback.

Chow said the state government will put up advertisements on the second public display, called after the first EIA report was rejected in 2017 due to the fisheries impact assessment (FIA) not going through.

Penang has since resubmitted the FIA, and is renegotiating with the Fisheries Department.

The state is now awaiting the department’s comments on the additional mitigation measures proposed, based on the latter’s requirements.

“After the public display, we will include public feedback and proposals on how to address the issues raised, in the updated EIA report,” said Chow.

“The report will go back to the Environment Department for its consideration.”

PSR is a massive project involving the reclamation of three islands, measuring a total of 1,821ha, off the southern coast of Penang island.

The land will be auctioned off to generate funds to finance the Penang Transport Master Plan.

Yesterday, PSR was presented to the National Physical Planning Council (NPPC), chaired by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Chow had said NPPC agreed with the project’s implementation, subject to its compliance with the council’s 18 recommendations.

Penang civil groups oppose PSR, fearing its negative impact on the coastal areas where fishermen earn their living. – April 19, 2019.