THE fight over the proposed Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) and Penang South Reclamation (PSR) has gone online, with two rival groups petitioning Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to stop or approve the multibillion ringgit plans.

Around noon today, local non-governmental grouping AnakPinang Community posted its petition on Change.org urging Dr Mahathir, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the state executive council “to help develop Penang, our home”.

The petition titled “Develop Penang for Shared Prosperity” comes a day after heritage and civil rights activist Khoo Salma Nasution of Penang Forum launched a petition on the online hosting site urging the prime minister to axe the reclamation.

Under the PSR, 1,821ha of land will be reclaimed to build three islands off the southern coast of Penang island. The land will be used to generate funds to finance the PTMP.

In its petition, AnakPinang listed 31 reasons for keeping the two mega projects, adding that PSR and PTMP were important for ordinary Penangites who were looking forward to a future with high-income jobs, quality education, good public facilities and infrastructure.

“Shared prosperity can only be achieved when the sector of technology, tourism, education, agriculture, culture and arts, health, manufacturing, and export (T.E.A.C.H. M.E.) in Penang are constantly being developed.

“These sectors are the ‘software’ to build Penang’s future. They need ‘hardware’ to work. We believe that the Penang government’s PSR and PTMP are the ‘hardware’,” the group said.

The group also countered critics’ main argument that the reclamation works would be detrimental to fishermen in the south, by pointing out how the community’s welfare would be looked after with the establishment of engagement centres that help with job placements.

“PSR will also provide proper housing for fishermen and squatters. The state will give priority to affected fishermen and squatters applying for proper housing.”

AnakPinang also argued that PSR would give the Penang government more funds to launch projects that were beneficial to the people like flood mitigation, hillslope preservation, education and others.

The group said if PSR has an estimated return of RM70 billion and the PTMP cost some RM50 billion, Penang will still have RM20 billion to spend on these projects.

AnakPinang also insisted that the PTMP would finally bring about good public transport infrastructure to the state, which is battling worsening traffic congestion.

Among the components of the PTMP are the Pan Island Link (PIL), Penang Undersea Tunnel and three major roads on the island, LRT (light rail transit) lines from Komtar to Bayan Lepas and from the island to the mainland; monorails covering Ayer Itam, Tanjung Tokong, Raja Uda and Bukit Mertajam (on the mainland); trams, bus rapid transit (BRT) and a sky cab project across the channel.

The PTMP would also bring development to northern Seberang Prai on the mainland, where economic growth has been slower than the island for decades.

The group said the undersea tunnel would increase accessibility and stimulate the economy at the area, like what the first and second Penang bridges have done for central and southern Seberang Prai.

 “Penang needs a future so that all of us can continue to stay, work, and build our family here. We appeal to our top leaders to help us,” said the petition.

The petition gained about 100 signatures in its first two hours online.