A MAJORITY of fishermen who will be affected by the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) support the project, Penang exco Dr Afif Bahardin said in the state assembly today.

The state agriculture and agro-based industries exco said more than 50% of them support the reclamation development but with conditions.

“We have done engagement programmes with fishermen for over two years. Based on my experience speaking with them, the community is mainly concerned about compensation.

“Their worries are not so much about whether they can still catch fish or not. The fishermen, who go to sea daily, know best about the fishing opportunities in that area,” he said during question time.

The Seberang Jaya assemblyman was replying to Goh Choon Aik (Bukit Tambun-PH), who had asked how many fishermen opposed the PSR project.

The proposed development involves reclaiming three islands off the southern coast of Penang island and will affect 805 fishermen who fish in the southern waters of the state.

Afif also said fishermen also raised concerns about housing and the authorities are looking for a suitable site to develop new homes.

On questions about projects on the reclaimed islands, Afif said 30% of housing to be built on the man-made islands will be public housing.

Priority will be given to the fishermen community, he said.

Afif also gave assurance that fishermen’s activities will be sustained even if the PSR project takes off.

“The area to be reclaimed is not where they fish. The fishing ground is further away, although we take note that the development may affect the marine ecosystem.

“There are also plans to recreate a mangrove forest to offset what we may lose from implementing the project.”

The PSR project is currently still at EIA (environmental impact assessment) study stage. The EIA report is going through a public display and will subsequently be sent to the Environmental Department for approval. – May 3, 2019.